@entity174 ( @entity174 ) are estimated to be present in 10 per cent of all @entity130 . However, up to 50 per cent of all @entity174 go undetected on the screening chest X-ray (CXR). The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of clinical (CRFs) and objective @entity174 (ORFs) as well as to examine the utility of the routine follow-up CXR with regard to @entity1 recovery and healthcare cost. We identified @entity1 sustaining RF in addition to other @entity130 with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) < or = 15 and RF as the primary pathology. Five hundred fifty-two @entity1 sustained blunt @entity130 with resultant RF. Two hundred nine @entity1 had @entity174 and an ISS < or = 15. The average ISS was 8. Follow-up films illustrated that 93 per cent of CRFs had resolution of any pathology, 4 per cent had persistent X-ray findings, and 4 per cent were lost to follow-up. Ultimately 93 per cent of @entity1 with @entity6192 were able to resume daily activities without disability and 3 per cent incurred lifestyle changes at home or work, which was significantly better than those with ORFs (P < 0.05). Follow-up films produced no change in clinical management and cost approximately  2000/year. The prognosis for CRFs is excellent if treatment consists of appropriate @entity158 management and pulmonary rehabilitation. We do not advocate routine follow-up CXRs in addition to physical examination for the evaluation of CRFs unless clinical deterioration is evident.

XXXX : are follow-up chest X-rays a waste of resources?

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity174 :: ('MESH:D050723', 'Disease') :: ['fractures', 'Rib fractures', 'RFs', 'rib fractures'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain'] @entity6192 :: ('1392', 'Gene') :: ['CRF'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['traumatic injuries', 'thoracic trauma']
@entity174 :: (MESH:D050723,Disease) :: ['Clinical rib fractures']
