Rib fractures, are most commonly caused by a direct blow to the chest or a severe fall and injury. If 1 or 2 ribs are broken, it is considered a minor injury and does not require inpatient treatment. In such cases, a cast is not applied, but a fixing bandage is attached and painkillers are prescribed. In case of damage to 4 or more costal bones, a serious examination and treatment is required. The ribs perform the supporting function of the chest frame, if the support is damaged, the chest sinks, the lungs cannot withstand the load and stop breathing. To save a life, doctors connect the patient to a ventilator, treatment in intensive care continues until the bones grow together.
estet-portal.com will tell how to recognize the signs of a broken rib, what complications the injury threatens.
- Manifestations and signs of rib fractures
- 6 dangerous complications of rib fractures
- How long does it take to treat of a broken rib
Injury is manifested by severe pain at the site of injury, aggravated by coughing, talking, breathing. Sometimes there is swelling of the tissues, a crunch of broken bone fragments. If the fracture is on the side and in front, then breathing is significantly impaired due to poor pulmonary ventilation. A multiple fracture is characterized by severe pain, increased heart rate, pallor, cyanosis of the skin and hemoptysis.
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There are signs of broken ribs:
• rapid breathing – oxygen does not enter the lungs in full;
• inhalation causes severe pain, it is impossible to inhale deeply;
• it is more convenient for the victim to be in a position with an inclination to the affected side;
• slowness, putting on a sweater is difficult, even tying shoelaces is difficult;
• with a lung injury, coughing up blood is observed;
• the manifestation of emotions brings pain, crying, laughter;
• shortness of breath, sharp jumps in pressure.
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The severity of symptoms depends on the type of fracture, the number of broken bones, and the age of the injury. The signs are similar to a bruise, but there are several significant differences. When the bone fragments are displaced relative to each other, a characteristic sound and tactile sensations are observed. A hematoma forms in the area of the broken rib. A deflection appears in the chest area, the injured part decreases 6 dangerous complications of rib fractures1. Pneumothorax – fragments of bones injure the lung, violating the integrity of the tissues. The process of breathing is difficult, the air is concentrated between the outer and inner pleura. Respiratory failure appears, requiring surgical intervention.
2. Hemothorax – blood accumulates in the pleural region, this causes stagnant processes, difficulty breathing. The active work of the lung is disturbed.
3. Neuralgia – fracture entails damage to the nerve roots. At the same time, severe pain is felt in the muscles between the ribs.
4. Post-traumatic pleurisy – inflammation of the lining around the lung. The heart rhythm and breathing process is disturbed. The risk of developing pulmonary edema increases.
5. Pneumonia – poor ventilation leads to stagnation of sputum and blood, inflammation occurs.
6. Bleeding – a fragmental fracture can damage the integrity of more than just the lung. The liver, stomach, spleen may well suddenly suffer, it is dangerous for internal bleeding. Its signs – cold sweat, pallor, rapid pulse, low blood pressure. the stomach, spleen may well suddenly suffer, it is dangerous for internal bleeding. Its signs – cold sweat, pallor, rapid pulse, low blood pressure.
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How long does it take to treat a broken rib
Diagnosis is based on clinical data and examination results. Main examinations: chest x-ray, computed tomography, ultrasound and laboratory tests – to rule out complications. Intentional and often deep breathing and coughing can help minimize pulmonary complications. In this case, you can slightly hold the affected area with your palm to reduce pain.
Patients with 3 or more fractures need hospitalization. Antibiotics and medical procedures are prescribed. When indicated, the fractures are fixed with a bandage. With an open injury, surgical intervention is mandatory.
The fusion of the ribs lasts 3 weeks, the process occurs in 3 stages. The connective callus turns into a steoid callus, and the last phase – callus. The fracture line disappears after 4-8 weeks.
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If you yourself discovered signs of a broken rib after injury or impact, seek medical attention. He will eliminate possible dangers to life and health, give recommendations for treatment.
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