LAUSR

Key Points Question Is a greater hospital-level tendency to admit older patients with rib fractures as an isolated injury to the intensive care unit (ICU) associated with improved outcomes for those patients? Findings In this cohort study of 23 951 patients aged 65 years and older, ICU use per trauma center varied from 0% to 92% of patients with isolated rib fractures. Greater ICU use was associated with a reduction in a composite adverse outcome of death, unplanned intubation, or pneumonia. Meaning These findings suggest that admission to an ICU may improve the outcomes of older patients with isolated chest wall injuries.