3D CT imaging versus plain x-ray in diagnosis of rib fractures in lateral impact crashes.

The objective of this study was to compare the number of rib fractures detected by 3D Computed Tomography (3DCT) versus Anterior-Posterior (AP) chest x-ray (CXR) in the setting of blunt trauma and to determine the effects on the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). The results of this study indicate that 3DCT is superior to planar x-ray in the detection of rib fractures in blunt trauma patients. In this limited study the effect of rib fractures on the thoracic region AIS score did not affect the ISS in a significant manner.