2. What Is A Rib Fracture??
• A complete or incomplete fracture of any
of the 12 ribs on either side.
• Most are accompanied by sprain or
rupture of muscles, tendons or ligaments
between ribs (intercostal structures).
• Relatively common injuries in contact
sports.
3. Body Parts Involved…
• Any one or several of the 12 ribs
• Soft tissue surrounding the fracture
site.
• Ribs 4-9 are most commonly broken
due to blows because they are less
protected.
4. Signs and Symptoms
• Sever pain at the fracture site
• Tenderness to the touch
• A feeling that the “ Wind has been
knocked out”
• Abdominal pain if the fractured ribs are
below the diaphragm
• Severe chest pain when coughing,
sneezing, or breathing deeply.
5. Cont’d
• A feeling of small air pockets under the
skin of the chest or neck if the lung has
been injured and leaked air.
• Swelling and bruising over the fracture
site.
• Shallow breathing
6. Causes
• Direct blow to the chest from a blunt object
• Trauma to the chest
• Hard Coughing or sneezing
• Compression of the chest
8. Prevention
• No specific preventive measures
• Chance of re-injury can be minimized by
using a chest support with a rigid pad
9. Possible Complications
• Ruptured lung
• Injure the liver if the right 11th
and 12th
ribs are
fractured and have jagged edges
• Rupture the spleen if the left 11th
and 12th
ribs are
fractured and have jagged edges.
• Prolonged pain and slow healing
10. How Is It Treated??
• DO NOT wear a rib belt or binder
• To decrease pain when you cough, hold a
small pillow or folded towel over the site
and press firmly
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Eat normal, well-balanced, HIGH FIBER
diet.
11. Cont’d
• Avoid Constipation
• Take deep breaths several times a day
• Apply an ice pack 3-4 times daily
• After 2-3 days, if heat is more soothing
apply heat pad
12. Call Doctor When...
• Develop fever > 101 degrees F
• Develop cold or cough
• Cough up thick or bloody sputum
