Preliminary feasibility of a physical therapy protocol following surgical stabilization of rib fractures

Expert consensus guidance on respiratory physiotherapy and rehabilitation of patients with rib fractures: An international, multidisciplinary e-Delphi study

“…Representation from 18 countries was achieved, with the registrants being mostly physiotherapy clinicians or academics, physician associates, and surgeons from a variety of specialties. Registrants' median (IQR) number of years experience managing patients with rib fractures was 9 (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). Registrants worked in a range of specialties, most commonly major trauma rehabilitation/trauma and orthopedics, cardiorespiratory, critical care, and thoracic surgery.…”

“… 9 They further reported a significant decrease in patient-perceived disability, improved shoulder strength, chest expansion, and spirometry compared with immediate postoperative levels. 9 …”

“…8 The role of the physiotherapist in the management of this cohort, however, has not yet been fully investigated, other than one recent study that concluded that a specific physiotherapy protocol for patients undergoing SSRF appeared to be feasible and safe. 9 They further reported a significant decrease in patient-perceived disability, improved shoulder strength, chest expansion, and spirometry compared with immediate postoperative levels. 9 As a result of this minimal evidence base, there is a lack of understanding across the multidisciplinary team of the potential impact of physiotherapy.…”

“…9 They further reported a significant decrease in patient-perceived disability, improved shoulder strength, chest expansion, and spirometry compared with immediate postoperative levels. 9 As a result of this minimal evidence base, there is a lack of understanding across the multidisciplinary team of the potential impact of physiotherapy. Until this gap in the literature is filled, investment in physiotherapy will be difficult to achieve, and a lack of consensus regarding optimal management strategies will exist.…”

“…The use of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) for the treatment of blunt chest wall trauma, as well as supporting research, has increased exponentially over the last 10 years 8 . The role of the physiotherapist in the management of this cohort, however, has not yet been fully investigated, other than one recent study that concluded that a specific physiotherapy protocol for patients undergoing SSRF appeared to be feasible and safe 9 . They further reported a significant decrease in patient-perceived disability, improved shoulder strength, chest expansion, and spirometry compared with immediate postoperative levels 9 …”