How to care for a rib fracture

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on April 04, 2025
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After a rib fracture, it is recommended to adhere to the following aspects in terms of care.

Firstly, after a rib fracture, a chest bandage can be used to protect and stabilize the area, which generally requires about four to six weeks.

Secondly, in terms of diet, it is important to enhance nutrition. Consume foods rich in high-quality proteins, calcium, and vitamins. These foods aid in recovery by providing nutrients and energy, helping to promote the healing of fractures. Additionally, symptomatic medication treatment, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers and traditional Chinese medicine that invigorates blood circulation and removes blood stasis, can be used to facilitate recovery.

During the recovery period of the fracture, it is advised to start rehabilitation exercises as soon as possible and encourage activities such as coughing and expectorating to prevent complications such as dependent pneumonia and atelectasis.

(Please consult a professional physician for specific medication usage and avoid self-medication.)

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Common sites of rib fractures

The most common sites for rib fractures are the fourth to tenth ribs, as they are more prone to fractures. The first to third ribs are relatively short and are protected by the scapula and clavicle. Additionally, the 11th and 12th ribs are quite mobile, making them less likely to fracture when subjected to external forces. Among the fourth to tenth ribs, the fourth to seventh ribs are the most susceptible to fractures, because their internal cartilage is relatively short, making these ribs the most likely to break when impacted.

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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.

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Is a rib fracture serious?

Whether a rib fracture is serious depends mainly on the extent of the fracture and the damage to the surrounding tissues. Generally, a single rib fracture or a non-displaced rib fracture is not serious and requires conservative treatment. However, if there are multiple rib fractures occurring at once, breaking several ribs, including possibly the sixth rib, the consequences can be very serious because it may result in a flail chest. Secondly, a rib fracture can potentially damage surrounding structures such as the pleura, lung tissue, and blood vessels, resulting in conditions such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and even active hemothorax, which must be promptly treated to avoid life-threatening situations. Thirdly, if a rib fracture heals in a deformed manner and is not treated, it can compress blood vessels and nerves, causing a persistent type of intercostal neuralgia even after healing. Apart from the local deformity, this situation often stimulates the intercostal nerves and may require surgical intervention. Therefore, the severity of a rib fracture depends mainly on the degree of the fracture and its aftermath, and typically requires assessment by a professional doctor.

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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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What should I do if I have a rib fracture?

If it is a single, isolated rib fracture, and a chest CT scan shows no significant pleural effusion or obvious damage to the lungs and other thoracic organs, bed rest and wearing a chest brace for protection are recommended. A follow-up X-ray should be taken one and a half months later. If significant callus formation is observed at that time, attempts can be made to sit up and engage in weight-bearing activities. In this case, the recovery period should be at least three months. After three months, another X-ray should be taken; if further growth of the callus is observed, the chest brace can be removed, and normal daily activities can resume, but it is important to avoid heavy lifting to prevent exacerbating local pain. If multiple, severe rib fractures are present, accompanied by significant displacement and damage to the thoracic organs and tissues, hospitalization and possibly surgery are required.