A. X. Samayoa1, Y. Shan1, W. Alswealmeen1, O. Kirton1, T. Vu1 1Abington Jefferson Health,Surgery,Abington, PA, USA
Introduction: The financial burden of isolated rib fractures is often underestimated. This study compared costs incurred by isolated rib fracture patients of different ages to see if the financial burden is greater amongst those older than 65 years of age.
Methods: We conducted a single institution retrospective review of prospective collected data from 2012-2015 in patients that were admitted with isolated rib fractures. Patients were divided into two age groups: A[<65yo] & B[≥ 65yo]. Cost for hospitalization (CH) and cost per day (CD) were reported in 2016 US$ using the Consumer Price Index.
Results: 52 patients met inclusion criteria with 23 in Group A and 29 in Group B. The mean age in years for Group A was 50.04 ± 10.7 and for Group B was 80.14 ± 8.3.The mean CH was 11.2±14.4K$ and CD was 3.7±4.5K$. No difference was found in CH between the two groups [Group A: 10.0±9.7K$ vs Group B 12.2±1.7K$] (p=0.60). There was a significant increase in CD in the younger group [Group A: 5.4±6.1K$ vs Group B 2.5±2.1K$] (p=0.02). There was a significant increase in LOS, disposition to skilled nurse facility and falls in the elderly (p<0.04). No difference was noted in the incidence of pneumothorax, hemothorax, number of ribs fractured, and hospital mortality (p>0.73), Table 1.
Conclusion: Isolated rib fractures are associated with significant hospitalization costs in patients both above and below 65 years of age. Although hospitalization costs were similar, more patients in the older population were discharged to skilled nursing facilities, suggesting increased long term expenditure. CD was higher in the younger population with decreased length of stay.
