Medical expert of the article

Orthopedist

New publications

Fracture of the ribs: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Fracture of the ribs usually occurs with a blunt chest injury, often under the influence of a significant external force (for example, when the car stops abruptly, a baseball bat hits or falls from a height). However, in older people, fracture of the ribs can occur even with a slight external effect (for example, with a normal fall). Concomitant lesions can include ruptures of the aorta, subclavian artery, trauma of the heart (uncharacteristic, but may occur in some cases with severe inhibition, especially in fractures of the first or second rib), trauma to the abdominal cavity, especially the spleen (with a broken rib from VII to XII ), lung contusion, pneumothorax and other tracheobronchial lesions (rarely found).

trusted-source [1], [2], [3]

Symptoms of fracture of ribs

The pain is severe, it intensifies with coughing and deep inspiration, it lasts several weeks. Restriction of breathing (incomplete breath due to pain) can lead to atelectasis or pneumonia.

Diagnosis of fracture of ribs

Diagnosis is aimed at excluding concomitant damages. Radiography of the chest is mandatory. The purpose of other diagnostic tests depends on the presence of clinical symptoms of concomitant damage.

trusted-source [4], [5], [6]

Treatment of fractured ribs

Treatment should include opioid analgesics. Since inhaling causes severe pain, and opioid analgesics inhibit breathing, patients should consciously and often (for example, once a hour) breathe deeply or cough. Hospitalization is subject to victims with fractures of 3 ribs and more or with signs of cardiopulmonary insufficiency. Immobilization (for example, a tight bandage) with fractures of the ribs should be avoided, as it restricts the respiratory movement and predisposes to atelectasis and pneumonia.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.