Rib fracture

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A rib fracture is a broken rib. This usually results in worse chest pain with breathing. Bruising can occur at rest areas. When some ribs are broken in some places, the result is a chest rupture. Potential complications include pneumothorax, bruised lung, and pneumonia.

Rib fractures usually occur from a direct blow to the chest like during a motor vehicle crash or due to a crush injury. Cough or metastatic can also cause broken ribs. Middle rib is most often cracked. The first or second rib fracture is more likely to be associated with complications. Diagnosis can be based on symptoms and supported by medical imaging.

Pain control is an important part of treatment. This may include the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, or opioids. Neural block may be another option. While the cracked ribs have been wrapped, this can increase the complications. In those who have a stiff chest, surgery can improve results. They are common injuries after trauma.

Video Rib fracture

Cause

Rib fractures can occur with or without direct trauma during recreational activities. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has also been known to cause thoracic injury, including but not limited to rib fractures and breastbone. They can also occur as a result of diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. While for elderly people falling can cause broken ribs, in an adult car crash is a common event for such injuries.

Maps Rib fracture

Diagnosis

The signs that may have broken ribs are:

• Pain by inhalation
• Swelling in the chest area
• Bruise in the chest area
• Increases shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood (ribs may have damaged the lungs)

Because children have a chest wall that is more pliable than adults, their ribs tend to bend rather than break; therefore the presence of rib fractures in children is evidence of significant strength and may indicate severe thoracic injury such as bruising of the lung. Rib fracture is also a sign of a more serious injury to the elderly.

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Treatment

There is no specific treatment for rib fracture, but various supportive actions can be taken. In simple rib fractures, pain can lead to reduced movement and suppression of cough; this may contribute to the formation of secondary chest infections. Flail chest is a potentially life-threatening injury and often requires periods of ventilation assistance. Flail chest and first costa fracture are high energy injuries and should promptly investigate damage to underlying viscera (eg, lung contusions) or remotely (eg cervical spine injury). Spontaneous fractures in athletes generally require cessation of the cause, for example, time out of the oars, while maintaining cardiovascular fitness.

Treatment options for internal fixation/rib fracture repair include:

• Judet and/or sanchez plates/struts are metal plates with strips curled around the ribs and then safer with stitches.
• Synthes matriksrib fixation systems have two options: precontoured metal plates that use screws to secure the plate to the ribs; and/or intramedullary splints that are supplied to the ribs and secured with a set screw.
• An anterior lock plate is a metal plate that has a hole for screws all over the plate. The plate is positioned above the rib cage and screwed into the bone at the desired position. The plate may be bent to adjust the contour of the part.
• U plates can also be used when they pinch into the superior aspect of the ribs using the locking screw.

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See also

• Pulmonary hygiene

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References

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External links

Source of the article : Wikipedia