THE SHORT COAT
"The Gist: Rib fractures are common and may be associated with significant thoracic injury and pulmonary splinting. While rib fractures, even in elderly, don't necessitate transfer to Level I trauma centers, have a low threshold for ICU admission for aggressive pulmonary treatment and analgesia, especially in those with multiple injuries, older patients, those with more than 3 rib fractures, or patients with poor baseline health status (note: based on analyses of largely observational studies).
Check out this podcast by EAST for a Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAM) summary."
http://shortcoatsinem.blogspot.com.es/2013/12/the-breaking-point-rib-fractures-risk.html