Rib Fractures

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Rib Fractures
Brandy Lay Amanda Bradshaw AH 322 October 1st,
2003
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What Is A Rib Fracture??

• A complete or incomplete fracture of any of the
  12 ribs on either side.
• Most are accompanied by sprain or rupture of
  muscles, tendons or ligaments between ribs
  (intercostal structures).
• Relatively common injuries in contact sports.

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Body Parts Involved

• Any one or several of the 12 ribs
• Soft tissue surrounding the fracture site.
• Ribs 4-9 are most commonly broken due to blows
  because they are less protected.

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Signs and Symptoms

• Sever pain at the fracture site
• Tenderness to the touch
• A feeling that the Wind has been knocked out
• Abdominal pain if the fractured ribs are below
  the diaphragm
• Severe chest pain when coughing, sneezing, or
  breathing deeply.

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Contd

• A feeling of small air pockets under the skin of
  the chest or neck if the lung has been injured
  and leaked air.
• Swelling and bruising over the fracture site.
• Shallow breathing

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Causes

• Direct blow to the chest from a blunt object
• Trauma to the chest
• Hard Coughing or sneezing
• Compression of the chest

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Increasing Risk Factors..

• Contact Sports
• History of bone or joint disease
• Poor nutrition

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Prevention

• No specific preventive measures
• Chance of re-injury can be minimized by using a
  chest support with a rigid pad

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Possible Complications

• Ruptured lung
• Injure the liver if the right 11th and 12th ribs
  are fractured and have jagged edges
• Rupture the spleen if the left 11th and 12th ribs
  are fractured and have jagged edges.
• Prolonged pain and slow healing

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Special Test
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How Is It Treated??

• DO NOT wear a rib belt or binder
• To decrease pain when you cough, hold a small
  pillow or folded towel over the site and press
  firmly
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Eat normal, well-balanced, HIGH FIBER diet.

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Contd

• Avoid Constipation
• Take deep breaths several times a day
• Apply an ice pack 3-4 times daily
• After 2-3 days, if heat is more soothing apply
  heat pad

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Call Doctor When...

• Develop fever gt 101 degrees F
• Develop cold or cough
• Cough up thick or bloody sputum

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Medication

• 1.Aspirin
• 2.Ibuprofen
• 3.Possible injection of long-lasting anesthesia