Routine 6-Week Outpatient Radiography and Visit in Patients with Conservatively Treated Multiple Rib Fractures: Valuable or a Waste of Resources?

Routine 6-week outpatient visits for patients with conservatively treated multiple rib fractures infrequently revealed abnormalities requiring treatment modifications. It may be questioned whether the 6-week outpatient visit is even necessary. Instead, a more targeted approach could be adopted, providing follow-up to high-risk or high-demand patients only, or offering guidance on recognizing warning signs and providing aftercare through a smartphone application.