Broken or Bruised Ribs

Broken or bruised ribs are a common injury that occurs when one or more of the bones in the ribcage are cracked or broken. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma to the chest, such as from a fall or car accident, or from overuse or strain.

Causes

• Trauma to the chest, such as from a fall or car accident
• Overuse or strain, such as from heavy lifting or coughing
• Sports injuries, such as from football or hockey
• Falls onto the back or side
• Severe coughing, such as from pneumonia or bronchitis

Symptoms

• Pain in the chest or rib area, which may worsen with deep breathing or coughing
• Tenderness to the touch in the affected area
• Swelling or bruising in the affected area
• Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath
• Coughing up blood or yellow or green mucus

Types of Rib Injuries

• Simple rib fracture: a single break in one of the ribs
• Segmental rib fracture: two or more breaks in the same rib, which can cause the bone to become separated from the rest of the ribcage
• Flail chest: multiple adjacent ribs are broken in two or more places, causing a segment of the ribcage to detach and move independently of the rest of the chest wall
• Rib bruise (contusion): a non-bony injury that occurs when blood vessels in the muscle or soft tissue surrounding the ribs are damaged, leading to pain and swelling

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of broken or bruised ribs typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as:

• Chest X-ray: to confirm the presence of a fracture and assess for any other injuries
• CT scan: to provide more detailed images of the chest and surrounding structures
• MRI: to evaluate soft tissue damage or other internal injuries

Treatment

Treatment for broken or bruised ribs typically involves a combination of pain management, rest, and physical therapy. Specific treatments may include:

• Pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Rest and avoiding strenuous activities
• Deep breathing exercises to help prevent pneumonia and promote healing
• Chest physical therapy to improve lung function and reduce pain
• Surgery, in some cases, to stabilize the ribcage or repair any underlying injuries

Complications

Possible complications of broken or bruised ribs include:

• Pneumonia or other respiratory infections
• Bleeding or hemorrhage in the chest cavity
• Damage to surrounding organs, such as the lungs, liver, or spleen
• Chronic pain or disability

Prevention

To reduce the risk of broken or bruised ribs, it is essential to:

• Wear protective gear when participating in contact sports or activities that carry a high risk of injury
• Avoid overexertion and take regular breaks when engaging in strenuous activities
• Maintain good posture and body mechanics to reduce strain on the chest and ribcage
• Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia to reduce the risk of respiratory infections that can lead to rib injuries