Manejo actualizado de las fracturas costales / Current management of rib fractures

RESUMEN Las fracturas costales son la lesión más frecuente en los traumatismos torácicos. La fijación de las fracturas ha estado dirigida clásicamente al volet costal. En los últimos años se han extendido las indi caciones a las fracturas múltiples desplazadas aun sin volet. Se consideran asimismo otras indicaciones de osteosíntesis menos frecuentes. La neumonía y contusión pulmonar graves que requieren asisten cia respiratoria mecánica son consideradas contraindicaciones para la fijación quirúrgica. La primera semana es el momento óptimo para su realización. Diversos dispositivos de fijación se han ideado; las placas de titanio son las más utilizadas. La osteosíntesis costal ofrece a los pacientes una recuperación más rápida con menor estadía hospitalaria y en cuidados críticos, así como mejor funcionalidad respi ratoria y menor dolor en el corto y largo plazo.

ABSTRACT Rib fractures are the most common injuries in chest trauma. Fracture fixation has been traditionally performed in flail chest patients. Over the past years, the indication has been extended to multiple, severely displaced non-flail pattern fractures. Other less common indications for osteosynthesis have also been considered. Severe pneumonia and lung contusion requiring mechanical ventilation are considered contraindication for surgical fixation. The optimal timing for the intervention is the first week. Several devices have been developed for fracture fixation; titanium plates are the most commonly used. Rib fixation offers patients a more rapid recovery with shorter length of hospital stay and of intensive care unit stay with improved respiratory function and pain management in the short and long term.

Continuous serratus anterior plane block provides analgesia in multiple rib fractures: a case report / O bloqueio contínuo do plano serrátil anterior fornece analgesia em fraturas múltiplas de costelas: relato de caso

Abstract Thoracic trauma with rib fractures is a challenging condition due to the severe associated pain. Uncontrolled pain impairs breathing and an adequate pain control is necessary to provide comfort and to avoid further complications. Serratus Anterior Plane block is a procedure safe and easy to accomplish. The authors describe a case of thoracic trauma with rib fractures and respiratory compromise. Pain control was only achieved after performing a Serratus Anterior Plane block. The technique was done as described in the medical literature with placement of a catheter. Pain relief was achieved with a low concentration infusion of local anesthetic.

Resumo O trauma torácico com fraturas de costelas é uma condição desafiadora devido à dor intensa associada. O não controle da dor prejudica a respiração enquanto, o seu controle adequado é necessário para proporcionar conforto e evitar maiores complicações. O bloqueio do plano serrátil anterior é um procedimento seguro e fácil de fazer. Descrevemos um caso de trauma torácico com fraturas de costelas e comprometimento respiratório. O controle da dor só foi obtido após o bloqueio do plano serrátil anterior. A técnica foi aplicada conforme descrito na literatura médica, com a colocação de um cateter. O alívio da dor foi obtido com uma infusão de anestésico local em baixa concentração.

Continuous erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia of multiple rib fracture surgery: case report / Bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha para analgesia pós-operatória de cirurgia de fratura de múltiplas costelas: relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: The erector spinae plane block is a newly described and effective interfascial plane block for thoracic and abdominal surgery. This case report describes a patient with multiple rib fractures undergoing ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block for analgesia. Case report: A 37-year-old male patient was taken for surgical fixation of multiple rib fractures. At the end of the surgery, using ultrasound-guided longitudinal parasagittal orientation 3 cm to the lateral aspect of the T5 spinous process and an in-plane technique, 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine was administered between the erector spinae muscle and the transverse process, and a catheter was then inserted in the same plane. Before the end of surgery, 1 g paracetamol and 50 mg dexketoprofen were administered. Postoperative analgesia was applied with patient controlled analgesia method using 0.25% bupivacaine via the catheter. The patient's Visual Analogue Scale score at rest in the first 24 h was 0. The patient was monitored for 3 days with Visual Analogue Scale < 4, and the catheter was removed on postoperative day 4. No opioid requirement other than paracetamol and dexketoprofen occurred during this time. No postoperative complications were recorded. Discussion: The erector spinae plane block is an alternative to paravertebral, intercostal, epidural or other regional techniques. It may be a suitable technique in anesthesia and algology practice due to providing analgesia in the postoperative period with a catheter in the erector spinae plane.

Resumo Introdução: O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha é um bloqueio do plano interfacial recentemente descrito e eficaz para cirurgia torácica e abdominal. Neste relato descrevemos o caso de um paciente com fratura de múltiplas costelas, submetido ao bloqueio contínuo do plano do eretor da espinha guiado por ultrassom para analgesia. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 37 anos, encaminhado para fixação cirúrgica de fratura de múltiplas costelas. Ao final da cirurgia, usando a orientação parassagital longitudinal guiada por ultrassom 3 cm em relação à face lateral do processo espinhoso T5 e a técnica no plano, 20 ml de bupivacaína a 0,25% foram administrados entre o músculo eretor da espinha e o processo transverso, e um cateter foi então inserido no mesmo plano. Antes do final da cirurgia, 1 g de paracetamol e 50 mg de dexcetoprofeno foram administrados. A analgesia pós-operatória foi aplicada com o método de analgesia controlada pelo paciente, com bupivacaína a 0,25% via cateter. Na Escala Visual Analógica, o escore do paciente em repouso nas primeiras 24 h foi zero. O paciente foi monitorado por três dias com a Escala Visual Analógica < 4, e o cateter foi removido no quarto dia de pós-operatório. Exceto por paracetamol e dexcetoprofeno, não houve necessidade de outro agente opioide durante esse tempo. Não houve registro de complicação pós-operatória. Discussão: O bloqueio do plano do eretor da espinha é uma alternativa às técnicas paravertebrais, intercostais, epidurais ou outras técnicas regionais. Pode ser uma técnica adequada na prática de anestesia e algologia devido ao fornecimento de analgesia no período pós-operatório mediante um cateter no plano do eretor da espinha.

Reconstrucción temprana en el tórax inestable con sistema de osteosíntesis torácico: Reporte de caso / Early unstable chest reconstruction with thoracic osteosynthesis: A case report

Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón con tórax inestable. Esta lesión es una entidad poco común que puede ser originada por múltiples traumatismos de alto impacto. El diagnóstico se estableció por signos clínicos y estudios de imágenes. El paciente recibió tratamiento quirúrgico con un sistema de osteosíntesis costal (StraCos®); se discuten los resultados obtenidos y sugerencias para casos de este tipo. (AU)

We present the case of a male patient with unstable chest, which is a rare entity that may be caused by high impact trauma. The diagnosis was stablished by clinical manifestations and image results. The patient received surgical treatment with a rib osteosynthesis. We discussed the results obtained and propose suggestions to manage this kind of patients. (AU)

Osteosíntesis de múltiples fracturas costales desplazadas en un paciente con tórax batiente / Osteosynthesis of multiple displaced costal fractures in a patient with flail chest

El tratamiento de las fracturas costales debe ser individualizado de acuerdo con la severidad de las lesiones y a la magnitud del trauma. El objetivo de esta investigación es presentar un caso donde se utilizaron láminas de titanio, en un paciente con fracturas múltiples de las costillas. Se reporta el caso de un paciente con múltiples fracturas costales de forma lineal y paralelas de los arcos costales con un tórax batiente, que llega al cuerpo de guardia con dolor torácico moderado y disnea. Aunque aún no existe suficiente evidencia científica a favor de los métodos de fijación costal, se realizó la fijación con láminas de titanio logrando la estabilidad de la pared, aliviando el dolor, mejorando la mecánica ventilatoria y logrando su rápida reincorporación a la sociedad(AU)

The treatment of costal fractures should be individualized according to the severity of the injuries and the magnitude of trauma. The objective of this investigation is to present a case where titanium plates were used in a patient with multiple rib fractures. We report the case of a patient with multiple rib fractures of a linear and parallel shape of the costal arches with a swinging thorax, who arrives the emergency room with moderate chest pain and dyspnea. Although there is still not enough scientific evidence that favors the costal fixation methods, the fixation with titanium plates was performed, achieving the stability of the wall, relieving pain, improving the ventilatory mechanics, and achieving the patient's quick reincorporation to the society(AU)

Fracturas costales simétricas asociadas a tos / Symmetrical rib fractures associated with chronic cough: report of one case

Cough may be associated with complications such as syncope, urinary incontinence, pneumothorax, and less frequently, pulmonary hernia and costal fractures. Chronic cough is a cause of rib fractures and when they occur it is likely to affect more than one rib. We report a 53 year-old obese male in treatment with enalapril 10 mg for hypertension with a dry cough lasting five months. He consulted for bilateral chest pain and a Chest X ray examination showed symmetrical fractures in the seventh left and right ribs. Enalapril was discontinued, cough and pain subsided in two weeks.

Fijación de tórax inestable con placas y tornillos bioabsorbibles. Presentación de serie de casos / Thoracic inestability fixed with bioabsorbable screws and plates

Resumen: Antecedentes: El tórax inestable se trata con ventilación mecánica o inhaloterapia y analgesia. Poco se ha publicado sobre el uso de material bioabsorbible y su evolución en la fijación de tórax inestable. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de pacientes con tórax inestable sometidos a fijación con placas y tornillos bioabsorbibles en un período comprendido de Febrero de 2009 a Diciembre de 2011. Resultados: Presentamos 18 casos con edades entre 33 y 74 años (media de 53), tres con tórax inestable bilateral; la fijación costal se realizó entre 1 y 21 días del accidente (media de 1.5). Se inició deambulación al día siguiente en 14 casos; la estancia postoperatoria fue de cuatro días (rango de 3 a 14). La frecuencia cardíaca de los pacientes previa a la cirugía era de 90 por minuto (rango 82 a 100) y bajó a 84 después de la fijación (rango 82 a 92); la frecuencia respiratoria preoperatoria era 26 por minuto (rango 22 a 28) y bajó a 22 por minuto (rango 20 a 26) en el postoperatorio. Conclusiones: El uso de material bioabsorbible para osteosíntesis costal no tiene efectos secundarios atribuibles al material en el corto plazo.

Abstract: Background: Flail chest is managed with mechanical ventilation or inhaloteraphy and analgesia. Little has been published on the use of bioabsorbable material and its evolution in flail chest fixation. Methods: This is a descriptive study of patients with unstable chest undergoing fixation with bioabsorbable plates and screws in a period from February 2009 to December 2011. Results: We report 18 cases, aged 33-74 years (mean 53), three with bilateral involvement; rib fixation was performed between 1-21 days of the accident (mean 1.5). They started walking the next day in 14 cases; postoperative stay was four days (range 3-14). The heart rate of patients prior to surgery was 90 per minute (range 82-100) and lowered to 84 after fixation (range 82-92), preoperative respiratory rate was 26 per minute (range 22-28) and below 22 per minute (range 20 to 26) in postoperative period. Conclusions: The use of bioabsorbable material for osteosynthesis of costal fractures did not show side effects in our period of study.

Trauma de tórax / Thoracic trauma

Thoracic trauma is a frequent medical consult in emergency rooms. The initial approach is no different than the one used in polytraumatized, oriented by current trauma guidelines resulting of surgery and emergency consensus. Most thoracic injuries can be managed with simple maneuvers such as tube thoracostomy; however, 10% to 15% of patients who present with thoracic trauma require definitive operative repair. This article reviews the most common trauma related thoracic injuries in our medical setting: hemothorax, simple pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, open pneumothorax, rib fractures, flail chest, lung contusion and cardiac tamponade. We also describe different forms of thoracotomy depending on the physiological status of patient at the emergency room and new treatments. (AU)

Fracturas en extremidades, cuando se convierten en un reto diagnóstico / Limb fractures, when they become a diagnostic challenge

El trauma en extremidades es un evento que se presenta a diario en los servicios de urgencias en la mayoría de veces es de fácil diagnóstico imagenológico solo con radiología convencional. En algunas ocasiones, la persistencia del dolor osteomuscular, sin mejoría con el manejo médico, es la situación que lleva a consultar de nuevo al paciente para explorar su causa y la radiología convencional no muestra lesión ósea por lo cual la patología se convierte en un reto diagnóstico para el personal médico...

The limb trauma is an event that occurs daily in the emergency services in most times it is easy to imaging diagnosis only with conventional radiology. Sometimes, persistent musculoskeletal pain, no improvement with medical management, the situation is leading to consult again the patient to explore their cause and conventional radiology does not show bone injury which pathology becomes a diagnostic challenge medical personnel...

Afundamento costal estabilizado com suporte externo de metilmetacrilato em um felino / Ditching costal stabilized with external support of methylmethacrylate in a feline

O tórax instável ou afundamento costal acontece quando há fraturas múltiplas de pelo menos duas costelas consecutivas (CROWE et al., 2005). Nesse caso, durante a inspiração, o segmento fraturado, ao invés de expandir com o restante da caixa torácica, tende a penetrar no tórax. Subsequentemente, no momento da expiração, o conjunto instável tende a expansão (CROWE et al., 2005, FOSSUM, 2008). O tratamento inicial consiste em tornar o tórax estável, com uma pinça backhaus (AGUIAR, 2011). Posteriormente faz-se necessária a imobilização externa, que permitirá a adequada expansão torácica, sendo mantida por alguns dias até a estabilização do paciente. Para o tratamento cirúrgico recomenda-se a reconstrução anatômica das costelas fraturadas (CUNHA et al., 2009). O objetivo desse trabalho é demonstrar o tratamento da instabilidade costal com metilmetacrilato em felino, descrita por Coutinho et al. (2012).

Fijación quirúrgica de fracturas costales con placas de titanio: reporte de dos casos / Surgical repair of rib fractures using titanium plates: report of two cases

Rib fractures are common lesions in blunt chest trauma. Disregarding the severity of other high energy associated lesions, chest wall trauma characteristically causes intense pain, respiratory complications and long-term disability. Pain relief and chest wall function restoration are obtained by surgical stabilization of rib fractures. In nowdays still there is a considerable variability in surgical techniques and devices, as well as in their results and clinical indications. We report two cases of chest wall trauma and rib fractures repaired with osteosynthesis (Synthes® system MatrixRIB. Solothurn, Switzerland) and we discuss their new clinical indications and results.

Las fracturas costales son lesiones frecuentes en los traumatismos torácicos contusos. Sin contar aquellas lesiones asociadas con la alta absorción de energía, las fracturas costales causan característicamente dolor intenso, complicaciones respiratorias y ausentismo laboral significativo. Una de las estrategias terapéuticas es la estabilización quirúrgica del foco de fractura, la cual tiene múltiples ventajas teóricas como la disminución del dolor y la restauración de la función de la pared costal. Existen múltiples formas de fijación costal, pero su indicación, técnica quirúrgica y resultados son muy disímiles. Presentamos dos casos de reparación de pared torácica con material de osteosíntesis especialmente diseñado para este efecto (Synthes® MatrixRIB, Solothurn, Suiza), y se discuten sus alcances en las indicaciones y resultados clínicos.

Trauma de tórax / Chest trauma

El traumatismo de tórax es una situación altamente desafiante en el manejo de urgencia. Requiere conocimientos de las complicaciones que pueden poner en riesgo vital al paciente en pocos minutos como de un adecuado manejo primario de las complicaciones que se pueden presentar en el mediano y largo plazo. De la mortalidad total del trauma, un 75 por ciento se debe a trauma torácico como causa primaria o como elemento contribuyente. Es por esto que el manejo de estas lesiones torácicas es esencial en el trabajo de urgencia. Un 80 por ciento de las lesiones torácicas pueden manejarse con maniobras no quirúrgicas, pero el 15 por ciento a 20 por ciento restante requerirá manejo quirúrgico, que es altamente desafiante, por lo complejas que pueden llegar a ser las lesiones de estructuras vitales presentes en el tórax. En la siguiente revisión mostramos el manejo de las lesiones más frecuentes en traumatismo torácico y las distintas indicaciones de toracotomías que se pueden presentar en los servicios de urgencia.

Thoracic trauma is an extremely challenging situation in the emergency room. Both ER physicians and surgeons should have knowledge of how to manage immediate life threatening injuries and the related complications that can present later. The primary cause or contributing element of seventy five percent of trauma related mortality is thoracic injury. Eighty percent of thoracic injuries can be managed non-surgically. The remaining 15 percent to 20 per cent will require challenging surgical procedures, due to the involvement of vital organs and vessels. In this review, we present the management of the most common trauma related thoracic injuries that can present in the ER and the different indications for thoracotomy.

An analysis of 214 cases of rib fractures

INTRODUCTION: Rib fractures are the most common type of injury associated with trauma to the thorax. In this study, we investigated whether morbidity and mortality rates increased in correlation with the number of fractured ribs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 214 patients with rib fractures who applied or were referred to our clinic between January 2007 and December 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were allocated into three groups according to the number of fractures: 1) patients with an isolated rib fracture (RF1) (n = 50, 23.4 percent), 2) patients with two rib fractures (RF2) (n = 53, 24.8 percent), and 3) patients with more than two rib fractures (RF3) (n = 111, 51.9 percent). The patients were evaluated and compared according to the number of rib fractures, mean age, associated chest injuries (hemothorax, pneumothorax, and/or pulmonary contusion), and co-existing injuries to other systems. FINDINGS: The mean age of the patients was 51.5 years. The distribution of associated chest injuries was 30 percent in group RF1, 24.6 percent in group RF2, and 75.6 percent in group RF3 (p<0.05). Co-existing injuries to other systems were 24 percent in group RF1, 23.2 percent in group RF2, and 52.6 percent in group RF3 (p<0.05). Two patients (4 percent) in group RF1, 2 patients (3.8 percent) in group RF2, and 5 patients (4.5 percent) in group RF3 (total n = 9; 4.2 percent) died. CONCLUSION: Patients with any number of rib fractures should be carefully screened for co-existing injuries in other body systems and hospitalized to receive proper treatment.

Thoracic Injuries in earthquake-related versus non-earthquake-related trauma patients: differentiation via Multi-detector Computed Tomography

PURPOSE: Massive earthquakes are harmful to humankind. This study of a historical cohort aimed to investigate the difference between earthquake-related crush thoracic traumas and thoracic traumas unrelated to earthquakes using a multi-detector Computed Tomography (CT). METHODS: We retrospectively compared an earthquake-exposed cohort of 215 thoracic trauma crush victims of the Sichuan earthquake to a cohort of 215 non-earthquake-related thoracic trauma patients, focusing on the lesions and coexisting injuries to the thoracic cage and the pulmonary parenchyma and pleura using a multi-detector CT. RESULTS: The incidence of rib fracture was elevated in the earthquake-exposed cohort (143 vs. 66 patients in the non-earthquake-exposed cohort, Risk Ratio (RR) = 2.2; p<0.001). Among these patients, those with more than 3 fractured ribs (106/143 vs. 41/66 patients, RR=1.2; p<0.05) or flail chest (45/143 vs. 11/66 patients, RR=1.9; p<0.05) were more frequently seen in the earthquake cohort. Earthquake-related crush injuries more frequently resulted in bilateral rib fractures (66/143 vs. 18/66 patients, RR= 1.7; p<0.01). Additionally, the incidence of non-rib fracture was higher in the earthquake cohort (85 vs. 60 patients, RR= 1.4; p<0.01). Pulmonary parenchymal and pleural injuries were more frequently seen in earthquake-related crush injuries (117 vs. 80 patients, RR=1.5 for parenchymal and 146 vs. 74 patients, RR = 2.0 for pleural injuries; p<0.001). Non-rib fractures, pulmonary parenchymal and pleural injuries had significant positive correlation with rib fractures in these two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic crush traumas resulting from the earthquake were life threatening with a high incidence of bony thoracic fractures. The ribs were frequently involved in bilateral and severe types of fractures, which were accompanied by non-rib fractures, pulmonary parenchymal and pleural injuries.

Fijación quirúrgica de las fracturas costales con placas de osteosíntesis. Experiencia inicial / Surgical fixatiion of fractures of the rib with osteosynthesis plates

Las fracturas costales son muy frecuentes en los traumatismos torácicos cerrados. La mayoría de estos pacientes tienen un dolor importante con los movimientos y con la tos. Los pacientes politraumatizados con tórax inestable presentan una alta morbimortalidad, el principal enfoque del tratamiento se centra en la terapia del dolor y la ventilación con presión positiva. Actualmente existen estudios que demuestran la mejoría en el tratamiento al utilizar la estabilización quirúrgica. Material y métodos: en el período comprendido entre diciembre de 2010 y diciembre de 2011, en nuestro hospital y en la práctica privada, se realizó la comparación prospectiva, de la evolución de 5 pacientes en los que se fijaron las fracturas costales con osteosíntesis con placa "U", con 8 pacientes a los que no se les realizó fijación quirúrgica de las fracturas costales. La edad promedio de cada grupo fue similar (34 y 39 años respectivamente). Solo se tuvieron en cuenta a aquellos pacientes que sufrieron al menos 2 fracturas en costillas diferentes. La placa en U posee entre 4-6 tornillos, orificios con rosca en la cara profunda de la placa y un puente que separa ambos segmentos estabilizadores. Para la valoración del dolor se utilizó la escala lineal analógica subjetiva asociada a la demanda de analgesia endovenosa en las primeras 24 horas y oral posteriormente. Esquema protocolizado (Diclofenac EV. 2 mg/kg, ibuprofeno 5,33 mg/kg VO., paracetamo 6,33 mg/kg VO). Analgesia adicional: primeras 24 hs se utilizó D-propoxifenos 1,52 mg/kg EV y luego de las 24 hs D-propoxifeno 2,6 mg/kg VO. Resultados: sobre el grupo control se observó que con el tratamiento farmacológico se logró controlar el dolor en el 37,5 % de los casos (3 pacientes), mientras que el 62,5 % restante requirió analgesia adicional. En el grupo con fijación quirúrgica solo un paciente (20%) requirió analgésicos sobre el grupo control. Todos los pacientes con dolor o inestabilidad mostraron mejoría subjetiva ...

Trauma to the chest wall frequently results in fracture of the ribs which provides its stability. As an injury it ranges from one which causes little but discomfort to one which is immediately life threatening. Most of these patients show important pain during movements and with cough. Politraumatized patients with unstable thorax present a high morbimortality, and the mainstay approach of treatment focuses in pain management and ventilation. Fixation of fractured ribs may be indicated if the injured chest wall requires a chest wall fixation with osteosynthesis plates. An initial experience presented by the authors, is discussed

Fratura bilateral de primeira costela em mergulho com colete salva-vidas / Bilateral first rib fracture in a dive with life vest

As fraturas de primeira costela são incomuns e geralmente associadas a grandes traumas torácicos a ponto de servirem como associação com a gravidade do trauma. As fraturas isoladas bilaterais de primeira costela sem grandes traumas torácicos são raramente descritas na literatura. Os sintomas podem passar despercebidos e serem minimizados dificultando o diagnóstico desta condição. O presente relato mostra um trauma direto sobre a região supraclavicular com sintomas de contusão do plexo braquial numa queda de jet ski com uso de salva-vidas. É feita uma revisão da literatura mostrando as diversas faces do problema discutindo-se o tratamento desta condição.

First rib fractures are uncommon and are generally related to major thoracic traumas, so much so that they indicate the severity of the trauma. Isolated bilateral first rib fractures without major thoracic trauma are rarely described in the literature. Symptoms may go unnoticed and could be minimal, making diagnosis of this condition difficult. The present report presents a direct trauma of the supraclavicular region with symptoms of contusion of the brachial plexus, caused by a fall from a jet ski using a life vest. A review was done of literature indicating the various facets of the problem and discussing treatment of this condition.

Estado atual das fraturas dos arcos costais / Current state of rib fractures

Os traumas torácicos são uma importante causa de hospitalização, morbidade e mortalidade na população jovem. Em muitas ocasiões, esses traumas torácicos se associam às fraturas dos arcos costais, consideradas benignas na maioria das vezes, mas que podem determinar uma maior gravidade em seus portadores, principalmente idosos. Neste trabalho de revisão, concluiu-se que o diagnóstico correto das fraturas deve ser realizado inclusive com o apoio da tomografia computadorizada, uma vez que a radiologia simples não é suficiente para a precisão diagnóstica. Em relação ao tratamento, muitos autores advogam a terapêutica cirúrgica, objetivando uma recuperação mais rápida dos pacientes internados com fratura de arcos costais.

The thoracic trauma is an important cause of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality in young population. In many occasions, this trauma is associated with rib fractures, considered as a benign problem, but they can determine a bigger gravity in its carriers, mainly in elderly. In this review, the authors concluded that the correct diagnosis of the fractures must be carried through with the support of computerized tomography scan, since simple radiology is not enough for the diagnostic precision. In relation to the treatment, many authors defend the surgical approach to obtain a faster recovery of the hospitalized patients with breaking of costal arcs.

Hérnia intercostal transdiafragmática após fratura espontânea de costelas secundária à crise de tosse / Transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia after spontaneous rib fractures secondary to coughing fit

One case of transdiafragmatic intercostal hernia after intense coughing fit followed by rib fractures in patient with history of pneumonia is presented. He had a severe coughing fit, developed a right toracoabdominal hematoma and then a tumor that was gradually enlarging. Image exams confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment consisted of surgical repair with the use of a polypropylene prosthetic mesh. It is a rare type of hernia. Only four cases were found in literature. The sooner the disease is diagnosed and treated the better the prognoses will be since it will prevent hernia from strangulation and incarceration.

Clampeamiento hepático prolongado: una alternativa en el trauma hepático severo / Clampeamiento prolonged liver: an alternative in severe hepatic trauma

Exponer la experiencia en el manejo del trauma hepático con clampeamiento prolongado, en el Servicio de Cirugía Uno. Hospital General del Este "Dr. Domingo Luciani". Paciente masculino de 28 años que ingresa a la Unidad de Politraumatizados (UPT) posterior a accidente en motocicleta. Hemodinámicamente estable, examen físico, tórax: murmullo vesicular disminuido en base derecha y abdomen; signos de irritación peritoneal, Rx de tórax hemoneumotórax y fractura del tercero al séptimo arcos costales derechos; toracotomía mínima que drena abundante burbujeo y 500 cc serohemático, FAST: moderada cantidad de líquido libre. Se realiza laparotomía exploradora con hallazgos de: hemoperitoneo 3000cc y lesión hepática grado IV; se realiza primera fase de control de daños, con clampeamiento y empaquetamiento hepático como estrategia para el control de la hemorragia; y cierre abreviado. Segunda fase de control de daños en la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) durante 48 horas, posterior a lo cual, se realiza tercera fase de control de daños, con hallazgos de ausencia de hemoperitoneo, 100cc de secreción biliar, lesión en segmento VIII hepático no sangrante. Se retiran comprensas y clamps hemostático lavado, drenaje de cavidad y cierre con puntos de tensión. Evoluciona satisfactoriamente, egresando de la UTI, complicado con fístula biliar resuelta con papilotomía electiva en el postoperatorio tardio.

Fracturas costales múltiples asociadas a tos

La tos es un frecuente motivo de consulta en la práctica ambulatoria. Aunque generalmente es autolimitada, cuando es crónica e intensa puede ser causa de complicaciones como síncope, neumotórax o más raramente fracturas costales. Presentamos un paciente con fracturas costales múltiples inducidas por la tos. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por un centellograma solicitado luego de la sospecha clínica debida a la intensidad y persistencia del dolor y a pesar de no mostrar alteraciones en las radiografías convencionales. Un centellograma de control a los 5 meses mostró desaparición de los focos hipercaptantes. Las fracturas costales múltiples son una complicación infrecuente de la tos que debería considerarse cuando el dolor torácico es intenso y persistente aun con radiografía de tórax o parrilla costal normal.

Multiple rib fractures associated with cough.

Cough is a common symptom in ambulatory practice and in general does not require specific treatment. When the cough is chronic it can provoke complications such as syncope, neumothorax or, rarely, rib fractures. We report a case of a patient with multiple rib fractures caused by cough. The diagnosis was performed by scintigraphy but fractures were not found in the x-rays. Five months later, a scintigraphy showed disappearance of the increased uptake areas. Multiple rib fractures are a cough complication which should be considered when the patient’s pain is persistent even if there is no x-ray evidence.