A rib fracture occurs in the chest wall. The injury is typically caused by a traumatic injury to the chest from a vehicular accident, fall or blunt force injury.
A rib fracture seldom requires specific treatment but might be an indication of a serious injury to the organs in the chest and abdomen.
If an individual sustained any form of trauma that involves enough force to trigger a rib fracture, it must be assessed to ensure there is no damage to the structures of the chest and abdomen.
What are the usual signs?
An individual with a rib fracture experiences chest pain. The discomfort is usually worse during deep breathing or abrupt movements of the chest such as coughing or sneezing. The individual might complain of localized pain directly over the site of the broken rib.
In severe injuries, there is deformity of the chest wall. If several ribs are fractured in different locations, the movement of the chest wall might be abnormal with breathing.
Management of a rib fracture
Supportive care is the usual form of treatment for a rib fracture. Since the chest wall should move to allow breathing, the chest could not be immobilized. Pain medications can be given to lessen some of the discomfort, but the only effective methods include rest and shallow breathing.
Luckily, surgery is rarely a treatment option for a rib fracture. If surgery is required, it is for flail chest or deformity of the chest wall. The implants utilized to manage a rib fracture include intramedullary rods, metal plates and bioabsorbable plates.
More Information / Disclaimer
The information posted on this page on a rib fracture is for learning purposes only. Learn how the injury is managed by taking a standard first aid course with Saskatoon First Aid.