How to care for a rib fracture

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on April 21, 2025
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After a rib fracture, if it is a single or multiple closed fractures and there are no internal injuries with the fracture in a good position, this situation can be treated conservatively using a chest strap for stabilization. If there are multiple rib fractures accompanied by abnormal breathing, open fractures, or associated internal injuries, surgical treatment is mainly adopted. During the recovery period of the fracture, it's important to rest. If there is pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs can be used to alleviate the pain. During recovery, it is encouraged to cough and expectorate to avoid complications such as lung infections or atelectasis. Additionally, it is necessary to focus on a nutritious diet; generally, rib fractures can effectively recover in about four to six weeks. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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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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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 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 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.