Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Rib fractures are frequently treated with analgesic or compression band, which relieves pain but attenuates respiration. Memory metal chest shield as a new product has been used clinically for patients with multiple rib fractures to alleviate the pain. It displays many advantages compared with traditional approaches.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of the memory metal chest shield versus the traditional fixation for multiple rib fractures.
METHODS: A total of 104 patients with multiple rib fractures confirmed by transthoracic X-ray were selected and randomly divided into control group (n = 40) treated with the traditional fixation methods (chest strap or a thick pad) and experimental group (n = 64) treated with memory metal chest shield. At 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours after admission, the visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and cough, the incidence of pulmonary complications, and hospitalization were recorded. Of them, 32 from the experimental and 21 from the control group received pulmonary function tests, and their vital capacity was recorded at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Pain intensity of experimental group was reduced at rest, while significantly reduced in forced breathing (such as cough). Of the 32 patients with use of memory metal sheeting, vital capacity continuously increased during the observation period, but pulmonary complications were significantly less, and the average hospital stay was significantly less than the control group (P < 0.05). Results show that the memory metal shield displayed fixation effect on the area of broken ribs, which significantly reduced pain, increased lung capacity, reduced the incidence of pulmonary complications and shortened the average length of stay. It is a simple and effective method of treating multiple rib fractures.