Introduction: Modeling rib fracture stability is challenging. Computer-generated finite element analysis (FEA) is an option for assessment of chest wall stability (CWS). The objective is to explore FEA as a means to assess CWS, hypothesizing it is a reliable approach to better understand rib fracture pathophysiology.
Methods: Thoracic anatomy was generated from standardized skeletal models with internal/external organs, soft tissue and muscles using Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine data. Material properties were assigned to bone, cartilage, skin and viscera. Simulation was performed using ANSYS Workbench (2020 R2, Canonsburg, PA). Meshing the model was completed identifying 1.3 and 2.1 million elements and nodes. An implicit solver was used for a linear/static FEA with all bony contacts identified and applied. All material behavior was modeled as isotropic/linear elastic. Six load cases were evaluated from a musculoskeletal AnyBody model; forward flexion, right/left lateral bending, right/left axial rotation and 5-kg weight arm lifting. Standard application points, directions of muscle forces, and joint positions were applied. Ten fracture cases (unilateral and bilateral) were defined and 66 model variations were simulated. Forty-three points were applied to each rib in the mid/anterior axillary lines to assess thoracic stability. Three assessment criteria were used to quantify thoracic motion: normalized mean absolute error, normalized root mean square error, and normalized interfragmentary motion.
Results: All three analyses demonstrated similar findings that rib fracture deformation and loss of CWS was highest for left/right axial rotation. Increased number of ribs fracture demonstrated more fracture deformation and more loss of CWS compared with a flail chest segment involving less ribs. A single rib fracture is associated with ~3% loss of CWS. Normalized interfragmentary motion deformation can increases by 230%. Chest wall stability can decrease by over 50% depending on fracture patterns.
Conclusion: Finite element analysis is a promising technology for analyzing CWS. Future studies need to focus on clinical relevance and application of this technology.
Level Of Evidence: Diagnostic Tests or Criteria; Level IV.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000003780 | DOI Listing |
A A Pract
January 2025
From the Department of Pain Management, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
In Vivo
December 2024
Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
Background/aim: Costal cartilage fractures are associated with poor prognosis in patients with blunt chest trauma. A Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) system for detecting rib fractures has been used in practice, but it is unclear whether this system recognizes costal cartilage fractures. This study investigated whether the CAD system for rib fracture can detect costal cartilage fractures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Emerg Med
December 2024
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Background: Various regional anesthesia techniques have been studied for blunt chest wall trauma over the past decades, but their impact on patient outcomes remains unclear. This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis aimed to identify the most effective regional anesthesia techniques for different outcomes in blunt thoracic trauma patients.
Methods: We searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials comparing regional anesthesia techniques (thoracic epidural, erector spinae plane block, serratus anterior plane block, intercostal block, paravertebral block, intrapleural block, retrolaminar block) and standard intravenous analgesia.
J Surg Res
December 2024
Department of Surgery, Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York; Department of Surgery at Zucker School of Medicine, Manhasset, New York.
Introduction: Patients with blunt chest wall injuries and rib fractures are known to have high rates of atelectasis, pneumonia, pulmonary contusion, and can develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. This can lead to ventilator requirement and dependence, deconditioning secondary to uncontrolled pain, and increased hospital length of stay (LOS). Many studies in the literature have developed triage algorithms in patients with rib fractures to guide disposition and management, and several institutions have gone on to describe their institution-specific management protocols to decrease complications related to traumatic rib fractures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcad Emerg Med
December 2024
Fellowship in Emergency Trauma, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Background: Pain management is a critical part of treatment in patients with chest trauma. Opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been the most commonly used medications. However, their side effects have drawn attention to other medications.
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