{
  "abstract": "Background and Aims Rib fractures contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, particularly among elderly patients. Effective management includes multimodal analgesia, regional anaesthesia, and surgical fixation. Currently, no standardized guidelines exist for rib fracture management within our trauma unit, leading to variability in care. This audit aimed to assess patient presentation, analgesic strategies, referral pathways, and patient outcomes in our hospital.Methods A retrospective study analysed all adult patients attending our Emergency Department with rib fractures between January 1 and December 31, 2023. The primary endpoints included documentation of pain and rib fracture scoring, analgesic use, referrals to anaesthetics or intensive care, complications, and mortality. The STUMBL score was assessed for its predictive capability in guiding escalation of care.Results Among 114 identified cases, 112 patients received treatment. Pain scores on admission were documented in 55.3%, with reassessment within 24 hours occurring in 30.3% of cases. Regional anaesthesia was performed in only six patients, utilizing erector spinae and serratus anterior blocks. ITU referrals occurred in 4.4% of cases, while acute pain team involvement was noted in 14.3%. No deaths were directly attributable to rib fractures. Application of the STUMBL score demonstrated alignment between score severity and escalation requirements, though referrals to anaesthetics remained low.Abstract P052 Figure 1STUMBL scoring criteriaAbstract P052 Table 1STUMBL scores and escalation of careAbstract P052 Figure 2Analgesia usedConclusions Standardized guidelines are essential to optimize rib fracture management and analgesia escalation, including regional anaesthesia. Implementing formal protocols may improve consistency in care delivery and patient outcomes.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Anaesthetics, George Elliot Hospital, Nuneaton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Gyee Vuei Phang"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Anaesthetics, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Rabia Ghani"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Anaesthetics, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Makhani Aly-Khan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Anaesthetics, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Vijay Venkatesh"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P052 Rib fractures in emergency admissions: an audit of management and outcomes",
  "uid": "951ececf-c68f-5658-97f5-e82cf11788ce"
}