Rib fractures are most commonly seen in which ribs?

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on May 11, 2025
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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.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Is a rib fracture serious?

Rib fractures are a relatively common type of fracture, mainly caused by direct or indirect violent injuries. The severity of a rib fracture depends on the specific condition. For example, a simple rib fracture usually achieves good results with conservative treatment. It can be treated by using a chest bandage for protection, resting, and gradually recuperating. If there are multiple rib fractures accompanied by thoracic deformity, abnormal breathing, and organ damage, this situation is relatively serious. Such fractures generally require surgical treatment. After the fracture, it is important to take good care of the patient, enhance nutrition in the diet, and start coughing up phlegm as soon as possible to prevent complications like lung infections. These measures help promote the recovery from the fracture.

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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 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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What are the symptoms of a rib fracture?

When a rib fracture occurs, there is initially localized pain, particularly exacerbated during breathing, and increased pain during pressing on the ribcage. Early on, there may be no respiratory or pulmonary inflammation, but if there is no systematic treatment and no rest, this could lead to breathing difficulties and signs of inflammation in the chest cavity. Additionally, if multiple ribs are fractured at multiple sites, a condition known as flail chest may occur.

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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.