Multiple Rib Fractures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multiple Rib Fractures: Evaluation of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) and Management.
IRAS ID
183712
Contact name
John Edwards
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 29 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to derive radiology-based classifications of rib fractures and to test whether such classifications have a value in the prediction of clinical outcomes and patient reported outcome measures. Rib fixation with external cortical plates and bicortical screws commenced in Sheffield in December 2006. To date, 77 patients have been selected to undergo surgical fixation in the setting of acute fractures. In addition, 20 patients with painful, non-united rib fractures, who presented late after the injury, have undergone fixation at various time-points several months after the injury. Work is currently underway to identify a comparative group of patients previously assessed at or admitted to Northern General Hospital, but who did not receive operative fixation. Over 200 patients have been identified so far.
The first aspect of work is to analyse existing radiology investigations (plain chest radiography (CXR) and derive classifications of rib fractures that, in the retrospective cohort of operated and non-operated cases, could have potential value in the guidance of management and prediction of clinical outcomes. The second aspect to the work will be evaluate the feasibility of collection of Patient Reported Outcome Measures in patients suffering multiple rib fractures, which will be used to assess the impact of the radiological classifications. These data will also inform the power calculation of a subsequent randomised phase III trial, and add to the limited evidence available examining the impact of fixation of multiple rib fractures.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1702
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion