A pilot study for a prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare subjects using the CCO (Group-A) with those using the ER-splint (Group-B) before and after the intervention.

The primary outcome was difference in the level of pain based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) between before and after intervention in each group during forceful and resting respiration.

VAS : Visual analogue scale CCO : Chrisofix® Chest Orthosis

Investigators performed VAS assessments to determine the level of pain in the subjects with RFs during resting and forceful respiration. Investigators applied either the CCO rib splint or the ER splint to the RF subjects in a randomized order. At 30 minutes after splint application, investigators repeated the VAS assessments during resting and forceful respiration. Subsequently, additional pain control was provided via intravascular drug injection.

RF : Rib fractures VAS : Visual analogue scale CCO : Chrisofix® Chest Orthosis

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who have rib fractures and age was over 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Investigators excluded subjects with cardiopulmonary dysfunction, poly-trauma, flail chest, damage to an internal organ, or alcoholism and subjects who did not consent to participate.