A rib fracture secondary to blunt thoracic trauma is an important indicator of the severity of the trauma. Multiple rib fracture causes severe pain that can seriously compromise respiratory mechanics and exacerbate underlying lung injury and preexisting respiratory disease, predisposing to respiratory failure. With the present case reports, we explored the morbidity and mortality rates and the management following rib fractures.

We report the management of patients who sustained multiple rib fractures . The causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with blunt thoracic trauma are; airway obstruction, respiratory failure and haemorrhage. The anaesthetist is ideally suited and trained to deal with these problems.

There was significant association between the mortality rate and number of rib fractures, the patient’s age and ISS

Rib fractures can be interpreted as signs of significant trauma. The greater the number of fractured ribs, the higher the mortality and morbidity rates. Patients with isolated rib fractures should be hospitalized if the number of fractured ribs is three or more. We also advocate that elderly patients with six or more fractured ribs should be treated in intensive care units due to high morbidity and mortality.