Definition
A rib fracture is a break in a rib bone.
Causes
Some causes are:
- A direct blow to the rib, such as from a motor vehicle accident or contact sports
- Repetitive trauma from sports such as rowing and golfing
- Crushing of the chest, such as from having cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Severe coughing
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of rib fracture are:
- Playing contact sports
- Doing activities with repetitive upper body movement, such as rowing, golf, and some jobs
-
Having a chronic
cough
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- Pain, often when breathing or coughing
- Swelling and bruising
- Problems breathing
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how the injury happened. An exam will be done that focuses on your chest, lungs, and back.
Images will be taken of your chest. This can be done with:
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan
-
Ultrasound
Treatment
It can take 3 to 6 weeks for a rib fracture to heal. The goals of treatment are to manage pain and support the bone as it heals. Options may be:
- Medicine to ease swelling and pain
- A chest binder to keep the bone in place it heals
- Exercises to help with muscle strength and range of motion will be needed.
Prevention
Most fractures are due to accidents. To lower the risk:
- Wear a seat belt when you are in a motor vehicle.
- Wear protective equipment, such as rib pads, when playing contact sports.
Definition
A rib fracture is a break in a rib bone.
Causes
Some causes are:
- A direct blow to the rib, such as from a motor vehicle accident or contact sports
- Repetitive trauma from sports such as rowing and golfing
- Crushing of the chest, such as from having cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Severe coughing
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of rib fracture are:
- Playing contact sports
- Doing activities with repetitive upper body movement, such as rowing, golf, and some jobs
-
Having a chronic
cough
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- Pain, often when breathing or coughing
- Swelling and bruising
- Problems breathing
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how the injury happened. An exam will be done that focuses on your chest, lungs, and back.
Images will be taken of your chest. This can be done with:
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan
-
Ultrasound
Treatment
It can take 3 to 6 weeks for a rib fracture to heal. The goals of treatment are to manage pain and support the bone as it heals. Options may be:
- Medicine to ease swelling and pain
- A chest binder to keep the bone in place it heals
- Exercises to help with muscle strength and range of motion will be needed.
Prevention
Most fractures are due to accidents. To lower the risk:
- Wear a seat belt when you are in a motor vehicle.
- Wear protective equipment, such as rib pads, when playing contact sports.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
(Broken Rib; Fracture, Rib)
References
Broken or bruised ribs. NHS Choices website. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rib-injuries/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Updated December 15, 2017. Accessed September 30, 2019.
Murphy CE 4th, Raja AS, et al. Rib Fracture Diagnosis in the Panscan Era. Ann Emerg Med. 2017 Dec;70(6):904-909.
Rib fracture—emergency management.
EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/management/rib-fracture-emergency-management . Accessed September 30, 2019.
Rib fracture. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/thoracic-trauma/rib-fracture. Updated November 2018. Accessed September 30, 2019.
