Rib fracture complications

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on February 06, 2025

00:00

00:00

Rib fractures often result from trauma and can involve a single fracture or multiple fractures in one rib. In severe cases, there might be multiple fractures across several ribs, causing a flail chest condition. Rib fractures initially lead to localized bleeding and swelling, making breathing difficult. This situation might also result in increased pleural effusion or hemothorax. In severe cases, it leads to significant breathing difficulties. Therefore, if a rib fracture occurs, it is advisable to visit the thoracic department of a formal hospital for medical consultation.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

43sec

home-news-image

How to care for a rib fracture

For a rib fracture, first, the patient should pay attention to rest. Local effective and secure external fixation should be done. You can tie a chest band or a rib fixation band on the affected area to stabilize the fracture, which can effectively relieve pain and is beneficial for the healing and growth of the fracture. Then, in terms of diet, it is important to consume high-protein, high-energy, high-nutrient, low-fat, and easily digestible food, such as fish, milk, eggs, lean meat, shrimp shells, and some fresh vegetables. These foods are rich in nutrients and also contain a lot of calcium, which helps the healing of fractures. This is the method of recuperation for a rib fracture.

home-news-image

Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 25sec

home-news-image

Nasal bone fracture, nasal septum fracture, what kind of injury is this?

What type of injury is a nasal bone fracture and a nasal septum fracture? According to the forensic appraisal regulations concerning the nasal area, there are three situations that can be identified as minor injuries and two situations that can be identified as slight injuries. The three situations for minor injuries are: first, comminuted fracture of the nasal bone; second, linear fracture of the nasal bone where the displacement is very obvious; third, nasal trauma that significantly changes the appearance and function of the nose, which can be identified as a minor injury. The two situations for slight injuries are: first, a simple, nondisplaced nasal bone fracture; second, nasal bleeding after trauma. Therefore, if a nasal bone fracture is combined with a nasal septum fracture, it should be a comminuted fracture and can be identified as a minor injury. If it is solely a nasal septum fracture, it depends on whether it is a comminuted fracture or whether the displacement is obvious. Additionally, the impact of the nasal septum fracture on nasal function must also be considered. Thus, nasal bone fractures and nasal septum fractures require specific analysis based on the details of the injury to determine the type of harm. A slight injury can definitely be determined, but whether it qualifies as a minor injury depends on the specific circumstances.

home-news-image

Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

1min 24sec

home-news-image

How is a fracture treated?

The treatment of fractures involves three main principles: reduction, fixation, and functional exercise. First and foremost, a perfect reduction is required after a fracture. If the alignment of the fracture is not satisfactory, the fracture may require either closed or open reduction. After a successful closed reduction, if the fracture position is stable, fixation should be considered. Generally, following a successful closed reduction, a local application of a cast or splint can be done for external fixation. If the results of closed reduction are not satisfactory, surgical open reduction may be needed. In such cases, internal fixation, possibly with steel plates, steel pins, or intramedullary nails among other methods, is necessary. These first two points cover the need for reduction and effective fixation—including both external and internal fixation. After proper fixation, the fracture can gradually heal. During the healing process, active functional exercises are needed to prevent muscle atrophy and joint adhesion. To avoid disuse of the limb, muscle atrophy after removing the cast, whether it be a leg or an arm, functional exercises are imperative. Thus, the three principles of fracture treatment are reduction, fixation, and functional exercise, requiring professional care by medical experts in accredited hospitals.

home-news-image

Written by Guan Yu Hua

Orthopedic Surgery

53sec

home-news-image

How long should one stay in bed with a rib fracture?

Rib fractures are mostly caused by trauma, such as direct or indirect force. Radiographic examination can basically confirm the diagnosis. A single rib fracture generally requires no intervention or special treatment, just immobilization is sufficient. However, strict bed rest is necessary. Typically, immobilization for about four weeks is needed until callus formation occurs. During this period, you should avoid deep breathing, heavy breathing, or coughing, and stay away from cooking fumes and smokers. Such irritative coughing might cause pain. A rib fracture will likely also result in intercostal neuralgia, which can be very troublesome and prolong the pain. However, fractures generally fully heal within eight to ten months. They can gradually heal without issues, but it is best to rest in bed for a month.

home-news-image

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

1min 1sec

home-news-image

How to exercise with a patellar fracture?

After a patellar fracture occurs, through immobilization or surgical treatment, it's possible to actively contract the quadriceps early on to strengthen muscle exercise and avoid muscle atrophy. Ankle pump exercises can also be performed, which are beneficial for the contraction of the calf muscles in the lower limbs, can help prevent thrombosis, and aid in the recovery of function. After the removal of external fixation or once the wound has healed, one can actively flex the knee joint. For example, by sitting at the edge of the bed with the knee naturally hanging, the knee joint can be flexed to 90 degrees. If there is difficulty in bending, one can push the healthy limb backward against the injured limb to help bend the knee joint. For exercises exceeding 90 degrees, one can lie flat on the bed, then flex the hip joint while holding the thigh of the injured limb with both hands, and allow the knee joint to naturally bend through gravity. This exercise can help restore the flexion and extension functions of the knee joint.