Surgical stabilization of rib fractures is rarely required, and nonoperative treatment is usually sufficient to heal rib fractures. Is there anything a doctor can do for a broken rib? If deep breaths are painful, holding a pillow against your chest may help to relieve pain. ![]() Your provider may give you prescription-strength medications or lidocaine patches for pain control.ĭeep breathing exercises are important to lower your risk of developing pneumonia. However, if they are not effective in reducing pain and you continue to have ongoing pain, intense pain, or trouble breathing, you should see your healthcare provider. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can provide pain relief. The treatment includes pain management, rest, icing, and breathing exercises. If you do not have other injuries, you can recover from a rib fracture at home. These conditions require appropriate treatment to prevent significant problems with lung function and breathing. A flail chest can develop as a complication of multiple rib fractures after blunt trauma to the chest. Rib fractures can also lead to a pulmonary contusion (bruise on the lungs) and pneumothorax (collection of air in the chest cavity due to a collapsed lung). This can increase your risk of a chest infection, such as pneumonia, which will require treatment. For example, there can be severe pain when you breathe deeply, causing you to take shallow breaths. Respiratory complications can occur following fractures of one or more ribs. In addition, displaced rib fractures (where the bone moves away from its original position, leaving a gap) are more likely to require surgical management than non-displaced rib fractures. Injuries to blood vessels can lead to bleeding into the chest cavity. For example, the sharp end of a fractured rib can lacerate (cut) or puncture (poke a hole) in one of these organs. Lower rib fractures can be associated with injuries to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. The rib cage protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs, and these can suffer injuries requiring treatment in the hospital. Because rib fractures commonly occur as a result of major trauma, they are often accompanied by other injuries. The best treatment for broken ribs depends on the severity of the injuries. What is the best treatment for broken ribs? How do doctors diagnose a rib fracture?ĭoctors diagnose a rib fracture based on the history and physical exam as well as imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scan. A deep breath, twisting motions, and pressure on the area can make the pain worse. ![]() Rib fracture pain can be sharp in nature. What are the symptoms of a rib fracture?Ī rib fracture can cause chest pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising or discoloration of the skin. Rib fractures in young children with no history of injuries can raise a concern for child abuse. Medical conditions such as certain cancers and osteoporosis (weak bones) can also cause rib fractures.Ĭhildren are less likely than adults to suffer a rib fracture because their bones are more flexible. Additionally, causes of rib fractures include falls and severe coughing. Rib bone fractures can occur as a result of car accidents, contact sports, assault, and other injuries and trauma. However, approximately one-third of people who suffer trauma to the chest cavity experience at least one rib fracture. ![]() The ribs are strong bones, and rib fractures without severe injury or major trauma are rare. Please continue reading to learn about the treatment options for a fractured rib. However, severe chest wall injuries can cause serious life-threatening damage to the internal organs or multiple rib fractures requiring surgical stabilization. Most rib fractures can heal at home with pain medication, icing, and breathing exercises. A broken rib or rib fracture occurs when one of the bones in the rib cage breaks.
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