Fractured ribs are a common injury consequence a blow or impact to the chest, for example from a fall, an accident traffic, or sports. Fracture lateral can be fatal, especially when the ribs are broken into several pieces and injure internal organs.
The ribs consist of 12 pairs of flat bones that wrap around the chest. In addition to protecting the heart and lungs, the ribs are also a place to attach the muscles in the chest area that play a role in breathing.
In most cases, rib fractures heal on their own within 1-2 months. The doctor will give medicine to relieve pain so that the patient can breathe better and be more comfortable. This aims to avoid complications in the lungs, such as lung infection (pneumonia) or leaky lungs (pneumonthorax).
What Sign Broken Ribs?
If you experience a blow to your chest, you should immediately consult a doctor, especially if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- There is a bruise on the chest accompanied by sharp pain.
- The bruised area is painful to the touch.
- My chest hurts when I take a deep breath.
- The pain gets worse when you cough.
- The pain gets worse when you make a twisting motion.
If the doctor suspects a broken rib and if the broken rib is caused by a blunt object or a serious accident, the doctor will examine the internal organs with an X-ray of the chest, a CT scan of the chest and abdomen, or a bone scan.
Danger Threatening Consequence Broken Rib
Most cases of rib fractures are just cracks and the ribs don't move out of position. In this condition, the risk of complications is not high.
But if the number of broken ribs or if the impact on the chest is very hard, the patient has a higher risk of serious complications.
A broken rib can have sharp edges and protrude into the chest or abdominal cavity. This condition is at risk of endangering the organs in the cavity. The following are the risks that can occur due to rib fractures, based on the location of the broken bone:
- Broken rib above chestIf this condition occurs, the sharp ends of the bones can tear or puncture the large blood vessels in the chest cavity. This can cause serious, life-threatening bleeding.
- Broken ribs in the middle of the chestIf a rib fracture occurs in the ribs in the center of the chest, the sharp edges of the bone can puncture and injure the lungs. A lung injury can cause the lung to collapse and bleed into the lung.
- Broken rib below chestIf this condition occurs, the sharp edges of the bone can injure the liver, kidneys, or spleen. Injury to these internal organs in the abdominal cavity can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Minor rib fractures heal on their own within 6 weeks. However, rib fractures can be life threatening if the condition is serious, for example if the broken rib penetrates the blood vessels, lungs, or other organs in the chest and abdominal cavities.
Given the magnitude of the risk, it is important to see a doctor if you have a chest injury. The doctor will provide treatment according to your condition. If 3 or more ribs are broken, there is lung damage, or if painkillers are not effective at managing the pain, your doctor may suggest surgery.
Written by:
dr. Sonny Seputra, M.Ked.Klin, SpB, FINACS(Surgeon)
