Rib fracture | |
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Other names | Broken rib, cracked rib |
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An X ray showing multiple old fractured ribs of the person's left side as marked by the oval | |
Specialty | Emergency medicine |
Symptoms | Chest pain that is worse with breathing in[1] |
Complications | Pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, pneumonia[1][2] |
Causes | Chest trauma[2] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, medical imaging[3] |
Medication | Paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, opioids[2] |
Prognosis | Pain improves over 6 weeks[3] |
Frequency | Common[2] |
A rib fracture is a break in a rib bone.[1] This typically results in chest pain that is worse with inspiration.[1] Bruising may occur at the site of the break.[3] When several ribs are broken in several places a flail chest results.[4] Potential complications include a pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, and pneumonia.[2][1]
Rib fractures usually occur from a direct blow to the chest such as during a motor vehicle collision or from a crush injury.[2][1] Coughing or metastatic cancer may also result in a broken rib.[1] The middle ribs are most commonly fractured.[5][1] Fractures of the first or second ribs are more likely to be associated with complications.[6] Diagnosis can be made based on symptoms and supported by medical imaging.[3]
Pain control is an important part of treatment.[7] This may include the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, or opioids.[2] A nerve block may be another option.[1] While fractured ribs can be wrapped, this may increase complications.[1] In those with a flail chest, surgery may improve outcomes.[8][9] They are a common injury following trauma.[10]
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