Background: Rib series (RS) are a special radiological technique to improve the visualization of the bony parts of\nthe chest.\nObjectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of rib series in minor thorax trauma.\nMethods: Retrospective study of 56 patients who received RS, 39 patients where additionally evaluated by plain\nchest film (PCF). All patients underwent a computed tomography (CT) of the chest. RS and PCF were re-read\nindependently by three radiologists, the results were compared with the CT as goldstandard. Sensitivity, specificity,\nnegative and positive predictive value were calculated. Significance in the differences of findings was determined\nby McNemar test, interobserver variability by Cohens kappa test.\nResults: 56 patients were evaluated (34 men, 22 women, mean age =61 y.). In 22 patients one or more rib fracture\ncould be identified by CT. In 18 of these cases (82%) the correct diagnosis was made by RS, in 16 cases (73%) the\ncorrect number of involved ribs was detected. These differences were significant (p = 0.03). Specificity was 100%,\nnegative and positive predictive value were 85% and 100%. Kappa values for the interobserver agreement was\n0.92-0.96. Sensitivity of PCF was 46% and was significantly lower (p = 0.008) compared to CT.\nConclusions: Rib series does not seem to be an useful examination in evaluating minor thorax trauma. CT seems\nto be the method of choice to detect rib fractures, but the clinical value of the radiological proof has to be\ndiscussed and investigated in larger follow up studies.
Loading....