The importance of increased awareness for delirium in elderly patients with rib fractures after blunt chest wall trauma: a retrospective cohort study on risk factors and outcomes.

Delirium in elderly patients with rib fractures is a serious and common complication, with a longer hospital stay and a higher risk of institutionalization as a consequence. Increased awareness for delirium is imperative, most importantly in older patients, in physically or nutritionally impaired patients and in patients in need of a urinary catheter.