|
Introduction
A broken rib,
or fractured rib, is a common injury that occurs when one of the
bones in your rib cage breaks or cracks. The most common cause
of broken ribs is trauma to the chest, such as from a fall,
motor vehicle accident or impact during contact sports.
Signs and
symptoms of a broken rib include pain, especially when taking a
deep breath or pressing on the injured area.
In most cases,
treatment of broken ribs is directed at controlling the pain
until the fracture heals. Broken ribs usually heal in about one
to two months.
Causes
Broken ribs are
a common injury, usually caused by trauma to the chest as during
a fall, motor vehicle accident or impact during contact sports.
If you have a
condition that weakens your bones - such as osteoporosis, a
disease that causes you to lose bone density - it's possible to
break a rib with a milder strain, such as a strong coughing
spell.
Risk
factors
The following
factors can increase your risk of breaking a rib:
|
Osteoporosis.
Having osteoporosis, a disease in which your bones lose
their density, makes you more susceptible to a bone
fracture. |
|
Age.
Because older adults are more prone to osteoporosis and
have less elastic ribs, they are at an increased risk of
rib fracture. |
|
Sports
participation.
Participating in contact sports, such as hockey or
football, increases your risk of trauma to your chest,
which can result in a rib fracture. |
|
Cancerous
lesion in a rib. A
cancerous lesion can weaken the bone, making it more
susceptible to breaks. |
Signs
and symptoms
Signs and
symptoms of a broken rib may include:
|
Pain
when you take a deep breath |
|
Pain
that gets worse when you press on the injured area, or
when you bend or twist your body |
When
to seek medical advice
See your doctor
if you have pain in your rib area that occurs after trauma or is
present with deep breaths or hinders your breathing.
If you
experience pressure, fullness or a squeezing pain in the center
of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, pain that
extends beyond your chest to your shoulder or arm, and
increasing episodes of chest pain, get medical attention
immediately. These signs and symptoms may indicate a heart
attack. |
Screening
and diagnosis
Your doctor may
be able to diagnose a broken rib based on a medical history and
physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will ask
about your signs and symptoms and may press gently on your
chest.
To confirm the
diagnosis, you likely will undergo imaging tests, usually a
chest X-ray or, on occasion, a computerized tomography (CT)
scan.
Treatment
Self-care
measures, including rest and the use of ice for pain and
swelling, are the best treatments for a broken rib.
Over-the-counter
pain medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin, others), can help relieve discomfort as you wait
for the fracture to heal. If the pain is severe, injections
around the nerves that supply the ribs (nerve blocks) can be
used.
Doctors rarely
use compression wraps - elastic bandages that you can wrap
around your chest - anymore to help "splint" and
immobilize the area. Doctors typically don't recommend
compression wraps for broken ribs because compression wraps can
keep you from taking deep breaths, which can increase the risk
of lung infections (pneumonia).
Broken ribs
usually heal completely in about one to two months.
Complications
When ribs
break, the sharp edges can occasionally puncture your lung or
surrounding tissue. This can cause blood (hemothorax) or air (pneumothorax)
to accumulate in the space between your lungs and the walls of
your chest. These conditions require
immediate medical attention.
Prevention
The following
measures may help you prevent a broken rib:
|
Protect
yourself from athletic injuries.
Wear protective equipment when playing contact sports. |
|
Take
steps to decrease your risk of household falls.
Remove clutter from your floors and clean spills
promptly, use a rubber mat in the shower, keep your home
well lit, and put skid-proof backing on carpets and area
rugs. |
|
Decrease
your chance of getting osteoporosis.
Getting enough calcium in your diet is important for
maintaining strong bones. Aim for about 1,200 milligrams
of calcium daily from food and supplements. |
Self-care
Self-care
measures - including rest, over-the-counter pain medications and
use of ice - are the best treatment for a broken rib.
Avoid
activities that aggravate the injury or cause more pain, such
as:
|
Vigorous
coughing |
|
Pressing
or putting pressure on your chest |
|
Bending
or twisting your body, such as in sports like golf or
bowling |
|
Contact
sports such as football or basketball |
Courtesy
of Mayo Clinic
|
|