Bedside Incentive Spirometry Predicts Risk of Pulmonary Complication in Patients with Rib Fractures

This retrospective chart review demonstrates the relationship between bedside incentive spirometry (ICS) volumes and risk of pulmonary complications. Two hundred patients admitted for rib fractures between April and October 2016 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were age 18–98 years, diagnosis of rib or sternal fractures, and no procedures requiring postoperative intubation within 48 hours of admission. The exclusion criteria were intubation before arrival, unable to participate in ICS, or previous tracheostomy. ICS volumes recorded in daily progress notes were collected. Of 200 charts reviewed, 154 met the inclusion criteria. In all, 25 endured at least one pulmonary complication. The average ICS on admission was 1355 cc. Patients who did not experience a complication had significantly higher admission ICS volumes than those who did (1441 ± 660 cc vs 920 ± 451 cc, P = 0.0003). They also achieved higher volumes at discharge (1705 ± 662 cc vs 1211 ± 453 cc, P = 0.006). The groups had similar demographics. An admission ICS volume <1 L was associated with 3.33 relative risk of pulmonary complication. Lower volumes were also associated with discharge to nonhome locations. Bedside ICS is a useful tool to identify patients at risk of pulmonary complications from rib fractures. Patients with admission ICS volume <1 L carry a higher risk of complication.