Rib fractures

for students

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Cont’d
• 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

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

7. Increasing Risk Factors..
•Contact Sports
•History of bone or joint disease
•Poor nutrition

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

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

10. 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.

11. Cont’d
•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

12. Call Doctor When...
•Develop fever > 101 degrees F
•Develop cold or cough
•Cough up thick or bloody sputum

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