Rib Fracture

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Of all chest accidents, the most common is a rib fracture. Usually the middle ribs between 4 and 8 crack and experience fractures. A fracture is lucky if it causes only mild discomfort, but more extensive injuries can result in more pain and even serious complications.

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What types of rib fractures can occur?

After an injury, it is most commonly injured in the axillary line at the front or back, but usually only in one place. If it has been involved in a major accident, there may be fractures or cracks in several places. Usually in the axillary line at the front or back, most often only in one place, but a major trauma may cause fractures of several ribs in several places.

There are several varieties:

• Simple
• Series
• Windows

A simple fracture, also known as an isolated rib fracture, is when only one rib is broken. A series rib fracture is when several ribs are fractured at the same time and a window rib fracture is when several ribs are fractured at the same time and the damaged part of the chest is collapsed.

What are the symptoms?

Stabbing pain on the side of the trauma, which increases with breathing, movement and coughing. To ease the discomfort, it is advisable to breathe slowly, avoid sudden movements and rest lying down. Pressing on the painful area can cause a palpable fracture, and sometimes a crackling sound can be heard.

What are the treatment options?

The exact diagnosis can be made by physical examination and X-ray diagnostic procedures performed by a specialist thoracic surgeon or orthopaedic traumatologist. Further imaging scans should be taken in the days following the injury to check for any complications. The fracture heals relatively quickly with good ossification, and great emphasis should be placed on ensuring painless breathing during treatment. This can be achieved with medication, supplemented by breathing exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist-physiotherapist.