Abstract
Fractures of the 1st or 2nd rib may be associated with underlying arterial injury in patients with blunt chest trauma. A total of 58 patients with fracture of the 1st or 2nd rib was investigated; all patients subsequently underwent arteriography. The type of rib fracture (posterior, lateral or anterior) was not a useful predictor of underlying vascular injury. The degree of displacement of the fracture fragments was of no value in predicting arterial injury.

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