Effectiveness of an Innovative Chest Stabilizer in the Treatment of Rib Fractures: Impact on Respiratory Function, Complications, and Clinical Outcomes
Effectiveness of an Innovative Chest Stabilizer in the Treatment of Rib Fractures: Impact on Respiratory Function, Complications, and Clinical Outcomes
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative, non-invasive chest stabilizer in patients with multiple rib fractures caused by blunt chest trauma. Rib fractures often lead to severe pain, breathing difficulties, and complications such as pneumonia or atelectasis. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: standard pain management or the new chest stabilizer, which will be used for 10 days.
The study will assess improvements in pain levels, breathing function (including FVC, FEV1, and PEF), and the occurrence of lung-related complications. Additional outcomes such as hospital stay, patient comfort, and skin reactions related to the device will also be evaluated. The goal of this research is to determine whether the innovative stabilizer can provide safer, more comfortable, and more effective treatment compared with current standard care for rib fracture patients.
Inclusion Criteria:
Adults aged 18 to 80 years. Blunt chest trauma with at least three rib fractures confirmed by imaging. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score ≥ 5 at rest, during deep inspiration, or with movement.
Able to perform spirometry reliably (FVC, FEV1, PEF). Hemodynamically stable and medically suitable for participation. Able and willing to provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Age younger than 18 or older than 80 years. Penetrating chest trauma. Patients who have undergone surgical rib fixation. Active pneumonia, clinically significant atelectasis, or severe pulmonary infection at admission.
Uncontrolled cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease. Severe cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, or inability to comply with study procedures.
Severe respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Skin infection, open wounds, or dermatologic conditions preventing stabilizer application.
Coagulopathy or contraindications to external chest compression. Pregnancy. Refusal or inability to give informed consent.