Demographics, treatment, and outcomes of rib fractures in older adults: a retrospective multi-institutional study.

Purpose: Rib fractures in the elderly can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Management is generally conservative due to the perceived risks related to frailty and co-morbidities. The primary aim of this exploratory study was to describe the demographics and outcomes of traumatic rib fractures in older Australians admitted to major trauma centres.