It is the fracture of one or various ribs, the bones that join the sternum with the spine, forming the "rib cage" that houses the lungs, heart and other vital structures.
Usually it is due to a direct traumatism of the right rib cage against a blunt object or the floor.
Its manifestations are severe stabbing pain that increases on movement and deep breathing. The pain leads to shallow breathing in order to not move the fractured area, and, as a result, in insufficient respiration or collapsed lung. If the traumatism is severe, a lesion to the internal organs protected by it can be associated with it. For example, if a fractured bone's splinter causes a pleural tear and "pinches" a lung it can cause an air leakage and lead to a pneumothorax.
Diagnosis is clinical through questioning and a physical examination. A thorax X-ray will be performed to complete the study of the lesion. In severe cases, it might be necessary to perform a study of internal lesions with a CT-scan.
The treatment has the objective of controlling the pain and ensuring proper breathing. Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and respiratory physiotherapy (5 deep inhales every 2 hours, hugging a pillow when coughing) will be used for its completion.
- Kristine A Karlson. Initial evaluation and management of rib fractures. UpToDate. Jul 05, 2016.
- Eric Legome. Initial evaluation and management of blunt thoracic trauma in adults. UpToDate. Mar 29, 2016.
- Misthos P, Kakaris S, Sepsas E, et al. A prospective analysis of occult pneumothorax, delayed pneumothorax and delayed hemothorax after minor blunt thoracic trauma. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2004; 25:859.
- Krasniqi G. López-González C. Estebarán-Martín MJ. Traumatismo torácico. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 1099-1105.
