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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How to recuperate from a rib fracture

Usually, patients with rib fractures need to have an ordinary X-ray and a chest CT to make a clear diagnosis. For displaced fractures, it is crucial to actively reposition, especially for severely displaced fractures, as healing can be challenging. Additionally, strict external fixation with rib fixation plates is necessary, as this provides the best conditions for fracture healing. It is essential to closely monitor changes in vital signs; if the patient experiences chest tightness or difficulty breathing, it may be necessary to actively perform a follow-up chest CT. Often, patients may develop pulmonary contusion and pleural effusion or pneumothorax. For those with a significant amount of fluid or air, it may be necessary to actively perform closed thoracic drainage surgery.

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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 Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Does a rib fracture hurt?

Rib fractures are generally caused by trauma, resulting in localized pain and restricted respiratory movements. In severe cases, there may be blood or fluid accumulation inside the chest cavity, or even respiratory distress, presenting symptoms similar to flail chest. Therefore, when a rib fracture occurs, the pain is very severe because the ribs are an important part of the thoracic cage, which is a crucial structure during respiratory movements. Thus, during breathing, the pain from a rib fracture can be quite intense.

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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 Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Rib fractures are most commonly seen in which ribs?

Rib fractures often occur in ribs 4 to 10, while ribs 1 to 3 are protected by the clavicle at the front. Because the clavicle is more prominent and forward, if there is trauma, it is likely to bear the force first, making clavicle fractures more probable, whereas ribs 1 to 3 are less likely to fracture. If it is the back, the shoulder blade can provide protection, hence, the shoulder blade is likely to fracture first, making fractures of ribs 1 to 3 very unlikely. Furthermore, ribs 11 to 12 are floating ribs with greater mobility, thus the chance of fracture is very low, which is quite rare. After a fracture, radiographic examination is required for a clear diagnosis, and it is also necessary to rule out injuries to organs, such as pneumothorax or rupture of the liver or spleen, which requires an ultrasound for differentiation.