Does a rib fracture hurt?

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on November 21, 2024
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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 Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Can someone with a rib fracture move?

Patients with rib fractures should rest during the acute injury phase. Premature activity can cause pain at the fracture site and is detrimental to the recovery of the fracture. After the condition stabilizes and symptoms such as pain have alleviated, patients can appropriately start mobilizing. Proper exercise can help prevent complications such as dependent pneumonia and bedsores. Rib fractures are generally treated non-surgically. A chest brace can be used for protection in conjunction with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, as well as Chinese medicines that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, which aid in the healing of the fracture. Recovery from a rib fracture generally takes about four to six weeks.

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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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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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home-news-image
Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
35sec home-news-image

Do rib fractures require surgery?

If there is a fracture of a single rib or a single spot with minor displacement, conservative treatment can be chosen without the need for surgery. However, if multiple ribs are fractured in multiple sections, it affects breathing, clinically known as flail chest. This condition can cause severe pain and breathing difficulties, and possibly fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. In such cases, surgery is required to reposition and stabilize the fractures, facilitating recovery. Therefore, whether surgery is needed should be based on the analysis of the injury.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Common sites of rib fractures

The most common sites for rib fractures are the fourth to tenth ribs, as they are more prone to fractures. The first to third ribs are relatively short and are protected by the scapula and clavicle. Additionally, the 11th and 12th ribs are quite mobile, making them less likely to fracture when subjected to external forces. Among the fourth to tenth ribs, the fourth to seventh ribs are the most susceptible to fractures, because their internal cartilage is relatively short, making these ribs the most likely to break when impacted.