Does a rib fracture hurt?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 19, 2024
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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 Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How long does the pain from a rib fracture last?

Taking a single rib fracture as an example, the pain generally lasts for one to two weeks. Then, over two to four weeks, the pain at the site of the rib fracture gradually eases and stabilizes. In the later stages, as the fracture healing progressively strengthens, the pain will gradually lessen until there is no significant pain. This period is generally about one to three months after the fracture, meaning that the most significant pain from a rib fracture usually lasts from one to two weeks, and then, as the fracture heals, the pain gradually decreases and improves.

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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 Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Hazards of Rib Fractures

The most severe case of rib fracture is what we call the occurrence of pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is caused by the puncture of the pleural cavity due to the fractured end, resulting in pneumothorax or hemothorax compressing the lung tissue, causing severe systemic respiratory and circulatory disorders. Severe pneumothorax can directly endanger life; this is the most serious harm of rib fractures. However, generally speaking, it is rare for a rib fracture to result in severe pneumothorax; most cases involve only a small amount of effusion or a small amount of air accumulation. Thus, generally, the harm from rib fractures is not very significant; the most severe harm is causing severe pneumothorax, affecting the overall respiratory and circulatory functions, and endangering life.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can you move with a rib fracture?

After a rib fracture, the patient's limbs can still move, and movement of the limbs should generally not pose major problems. However, excessive movement can sometimes cause pain, as well as movement and displacement at the fracture ends. Therefore, it is generally advised that after a rib fracture, the patient should primarily rest and minimize movement, especially within the first two weeks of the acute phase, where bed rest is strongly recommended. Avoid strenuous activities, although some gentle exercise can be appropriate, but vigorous physical labor is not advised.

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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.