How to treat rib fractures?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 06, 2024
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For the treatment of rib fractures, if it is a single or multiple closed fractures, and if there are no internal organ injuries, and the fracture alignment is good, non-surgical treatment can generally achieve good results. For example, using a chest bandage to secure and protect the area, generally immobilizing it for about 4 to 6 weeks, can effectively aid recovery. For multiple rib fractures, especially those accompanied by abnormal breathing, open fractures, or concurrent internal organ injuries, surgical treatment is primarily adopted. During the recovery period from the fracture, rest is important. If there is pain, some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medications can be used to alleviate the pain. Additionally, during the recovery period, coughing should be encouraged to prevent complications such as lung infections or atelectasis. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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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 Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can you move with a rib fracture?

After a rib fracture, the patient's limbs can still move, and movement of the limbs should generally not pose major problems. However, excessive movement can sometimes cause pain, as well as movement and displacement at the fracture ends. Therefore, it is generally advised that after a rib fracture, the patient should primarily rest and minimize movement, especially within the first two weeks of the acute phase, where bed rest is strongly recommended. Avoid strenuous activities, although some gentle exercise can be appropriate, but vigorous physical labor is not advised.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How long does a rib fracture hurt?

Rib fractures are indeed quite painful because there are abundant intercostal nerves around the rib cage. Once a fracture occurs, if it is not effectively immobilized and treated promptly, the pain is very noticeable. If treated effectively, such as applying external fixation with a rib belt or chest band, and addressing any pneumothorax or hemothorax with targeted treatments, along with using medications that activate blood circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, proactive treatment can usually significantly alleviate the pain of rib fractures within about a week. Typically, by around two weeks, the pain can essentially disappear. However, if not treated actively, the duration of pain may significantly increase.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What are the symptoms of a rib fracture?

Symptoms of rib fractures include, firstly, there is usually a clear history of trauma, either from direct impact or from falling and the ribs making contact with the ground, etc. Secondly, the main symptoms of a rib fracture include three points: The first is local deformity. If it is a single rib fracture, this deformity is generally not easy to detect. However, after multiple rib fractures, this deformity becomes readily apparent, and you can see that the chest cage is abnormal, with a caved-in appearance. Moreover, in cases like flail chest, breathing is also abnormal. Normally, when inhaling, the ribs should expand outward, but if flail chest occurs, the chest cage appears to expand inward during inhalation; therefore, such a condition often requires surgical treatment, otherwise the consequences are very serious. The second symptom is friction sound and bone rubbing sensation. Some people, after fracturing a rib, during deep breathing or activity, hear cracking sounds from within. This occurs because the continuity and integrity are disrupted by the fracture, and then during breathing or during movement, there is friction between the bones. The third point is abnormal movement, which occurs at locations without joints, resembling joint movements. Normally, a person has 12 ribs on each side. If the continuity and integrity of the ribs are not damaged, there should be no abnormal movement; that is, pressing on the ribs should not cause sensations similar to joint movements at places where there are no joints. Therefore, the symptoms of a rib fracture include three points: the first point being local deformity; the second, bone friction sounds and sensations; and the third, abnormal movement. If any of these three symptoms are present, it is generally indicative of a rib fracture.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Does a rib fracture hurt?

Rib fractures can result in pain, which is one of the most common complications associated with fractures. When experiencing pain, one can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the discomfort. For the treatment of rib fractures, if it is a single or multiple closed fractures without any associated internal organ damage, and the fracture is well-positioned, non-surgical treatment methods are generally adopted and can achieve good results. Using a chest binder for protection usually enables effective recovery within about four to six weeks. For multiple rib fractures accompanied by abnormal breathing, open fractures, or associated internal organ injuries, surgical methods are primarily used for treatment.