Introduction: A rib fracture scoring system (RFS) was proposed for risk assessment in hospitalized injured older adults. Development was limited to one site.
Purpose: To validate the RFS for clinical utility in predicting outcomes in another hospital setting.
Methods: Retrospective cohort design.
Sample: Patients aged 50 years or older with rib fracture(s) (N = 81).
Setting: Level II trauma center.
Data collection: Trauma registry data (2002-2005).
Data analysis: Bivariate correlations, linear and logistic regression models.
Results/conclusions: While the RFS is associated with outcomes, explanatory value is low. Further research is needed to identify hospitalized injured older adults most likely to utilize health services.