Rib Fracture

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:
  • A direct blow to the rib
  • Crushing of the chest, such as in contact sports or a car accident
  • 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 getting a disease condition or injury.
  • Playing contact sports
  • Weak bones
  • Chronic cough
  • Extreme repetitive upper body activity (less common)
    • Throwing athletes
    • Basketball players
    • Golfers
    • Rowers
    • Weight lifters
  • Occupations involving a lot of overhead lifting

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Pain in the ribs or upper chest area
  • Pain when coughing
  • Swelling and bruising in the fracture area
  • Severe local tenderness in the fracture area
  • Internal bleeding
  • Pain while breathing in

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
Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • 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:
  • Wear protective equipment, such as rib pads, when playing contact sports.
  • Avoid over-training.
  • Learn the proper technique for exercise and sporting activities.
  • Maintain strong bones by:
    • Getting plenty of calcium in your diet
    • Doing weight-bearing exercise
    • Not smoking