Is a rib fracture serious?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on June 02, 2025
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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 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 Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to treat rib fractures?

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 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 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.