Your rib cage plays an essential part in protecting the lungs, heart, and other vital organs which is also called the thoracic cavity. When a trauma injury to the chest occurs, such as a car accident or fall, it may result in broken or fractured ribs.
A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage. A break in the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone may also be called a fractured rib, even if the bone itself is not broken.
Ribs with a minor fracture are potentially not as dangerous but could still be painful. However, a jagged edge of broken rib bone can damage internal organs and pose a more significant risk.
Different types of rib fractures vary and may require different treatments. Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose your injuries.
At times, broken ribs can heal on their own. Depending upon the severity of rib fractures, treatment options may vary. It’s essential to know your treatment options for your type of fracture.
The most common cause of a rib fracture is a direct impact to the chest, which can occur during various activities. However, some conditions can lead to a broken rib without your being hit very hard, including osteoporosis or cancerous lesions that weaken bones.
Motor vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of rib fractures in adults.1 Due to the impact during a collision, the driver may fracture a rib when coming into contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or even a seatbelt.
The most common cause of injury for rib fractures in the elderly is a fall. Each year, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. More than 700,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury.1 Elderly patients who sustain blunt chest trauma with rib fractures have twice the mortality and thoracic morbidity than younger patients.2
Physical activity, including contact sports, is the most common cause of rib fractures in young adults.1 Any game in which extreme contact occurs has a risk of damage to the ribs, resulting in rib fractures.
If a cough is severe enough, generally due to another underlying issue, it could result in a fractured rib. Repeated motions, such as prolonged coughing, cause stress that may result in a broken rib.
Each year, trauma injuries account for 41 million emergency department visits, and 2.3 million hospitalizations across the United States.1 Rib fractures are one of the most common injuries following blunt trauma, occurring in approximately 10 percent of all trauma patients. More than 350,000 patients sustain rib injuries annually in the United States, and a significant number of trauma centers admit patients with rib fractures daily.2
Sharp chest pain can occur when you have a broken rib. Here are a few signs that may tell you it’s time to visit your physician:
Consult your doctor if you have chest pain believed to be linked to a fractured rib. Your doctor will recommend you complete a CT Scan or X-ray to identify fractures and the severity of injuries. Find out what happens during diagnosis and what treatment options are available.
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Talk to your surgeon about whether Rib Fixation is right for you and the risks of the procedure, including the risk of implant wear, loosening or failure, and pain, swelling and infection. Zimmer Biomet does not practice medicine; only a surgeon can answer your questions regarding your individual symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
