A rib fracture is a break in a rib bone. Frequently, bruised muscles and ligaments accompany a rib fracture.
Causes
Rib fractures are caused by:
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A direct blow to the rib
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Crushing of the chest, such as in contact sports or a car accident
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Severe coughing incidents that can occur with lung problems or at high altitude
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of having an injury. Risk factors for breaking a rib include:
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Playing contact sports
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Weak bones
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Chronic cough
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Extreme repetitive upper body activity (less common), such as in:
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Occupations involving a lot of overhead lifting
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
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Pain in the ribs or upper chest area
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Pain when coughing
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Swelling and bruising in the fracture area
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Severe local tenderness in the fracture area
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Internal bleeding
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Pain while breathing
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred, and examine your chest, lungs and back.
Tests may include:
Chest X-ray – an x-ray of the chest to check for fractures and any lung damage
CT Scan – a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the chest
MRI Scan – a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the chest
Treatment
Treatment includes:
Rest
Rest and do not do physical activity until the pain has subsided.
Protection
Your doctor may suggest wearing a chest binder around your ribs to protect them and help you breathe properly. It is important to take some good breaths so that the lungs remain clear. If you play contact sports, you may need to wear a rib cage protector for 6-8 weeks when you return to playing.
Medication
Your doctor may recommend that you take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
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Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
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Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
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Aspirin
Physical Therapy
As your ribs heal, a physical therapist can teach you breathing exercises and help you maintain range of motion in arm and shoulder joints.
Hospitalization
Hospitalization is only needed if there are complications such as damage to organs in the chest.
Prevention
Sometimes rib fractures cannot be prevented. To reduce your chance of fracturing a rib:
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Wear protective equipment, such as rib pads, when playing contact sports.
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Avoid over-training.
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Learn the proper technique for exercise and sporting activities.
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Maintain strong bones by:
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RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
Trauma.org
http://www.trauma.org
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org. Accessed October 14, 2005.
Boden BP, Osbahr DC, Jimenez C. Low-risk stress fractures. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2001;29:100-111.
O'Kane J. Delayed complication of a rib fracture. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1998;26:69.
Rib fractures. National Guideline Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?ss=15&doc_id=7062&nbr=4251. Accessed October 14, 2005.
