Will rib fractures swell?

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Generally, swelling after a localized fracture is due to damage to the blood vessels in the area of the fracture. The bleeding that follows accumulates under the skin at the fracture site, causing obvious swelling. However, rib fractures are somewhat unique because after a rib fracture, the bleeding generally occurs internally, meaning the blood enters the chest cavity, leading to accumulation of blood and fluids within the chest. Generally, the blood does not accumulate under the skin. Therefore, rib fractures typically do not exhibit obvious swelling. There might be some local swelling, but it is usually not prominent. If not examined closely, it is generally not noticeable that there is significant swelling at the site of a rib fracture.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Do rib fractures require surgery?

If there is a fracture of a single rib or a single spot with minor displacement, conservative treatment can be chosen without the need for surgery. However, if multiple ribs are fractured in multiple sections, it affects breathing, clinically known as flail chest. This condition can cause severe pain and breathing difficulties, and possibly fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. In such cases, surgery is required to reposition and stabilize the fractures, facilitating recovery. Therefore, whether surgery is needed should be based on the analysis of the injury.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How to sleep with a rib fracture

For rib fractures requiring bed rest, wearing a chest brace for protection is advisable. During the initial 2 to 4 weeks, sleeping positions should be such that they do not cause pain. In cases of multiple rib fractures, pain might occur irrespective of whether the patient is lying on their back or side. Therefore, there are no special requirements for sleeping positions; it should be whatever position causes the least pain locally. A chest brace can also be used to help minimize the pain caused by friction between the fractured ends of the bones. In addition, it is recommended to consume foods rich in calcium and take oral bone-healing calcium supplements to promote fracture healing, as this is the fundamental way to alleviate pain.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can you move with a rib fracture?

The rib has suffered a fracture. Depending on the displacement of the fracture, whether it's a single rib or multiple ribs in multiple locations, and whether breathing is affected or there is a presence of blood or fluid in the chest cavity, a comprehensive analysis is required. If the fracture is a single rib or multiple ribs with hairline fractures, it is possible to move around, but rest is also important to avoid turning a stable fracture into one with significant displacement. If there are fractures in multiple ribs at multiple locations and a large amount of blood or fluid in the chest cavity, along with flail chest that significantly impacts breathing, it is not recommended to continue activities. Rest should be prioritized, and, if necessary, joint cavity puncture drainage may be performed to relieve symptoms.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
46sec home-news-image

Will rib fractures swell?

Generally, swelling after a localized fracture is due to damage to the blood vessels in the area of the fracture. The bleeding that follows accumulates under the skin at the fracture site, causing obvious swelling. However, rib fractures are somewhat unique because after a rib fracture, the bleeding generally occurs internally, meaning the blood enters the chest cavity, leading to accumulation of blood and fluids within the chest. Generally, the blood does not accumulate under the skin. Therefore, rib fractures typically do not exhibit obvious swelling. There might be some local swelling, but it is usually not prominent. If not examined closely, it is generally not noticeable that there is significant swelling at the site of a rib fracture.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
50sec home-news-image

Can someone with a rib fracture move?

Patients with rib fractures should rest during the acute injury phase. Premature activity can cause pain at the fracture site and is detrimental to the recovery of the fracture. After the condition stabilizes and symptoms such as pain have alleviated, patients can appropriately start mobilizing. Proper exercise can help prevent complications such as dependent pneumonia and bedsores. Rib fractures are generally treated non-surgically. A chest brace can be used for protection in conjunction with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, as well as Chinese medicines that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, which aid in the healing of the fracture. Recovery from a rib fracture generally takes about four to six weeks.