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Rib Fractures

Rib Fractures. Brandy Lay & Amanda Bradshaw AH 322 October 1 st , 2003. What Is A Rib Fracture??. A complete or incomplete fracture of any of the 12 ribs on either side. Most are accompanied by sprain or rupture of muscles, tendons or ligaments between ribs (intercostal structures).

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Rib Fractures

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  1. Rib Fractures Brandy Lay & Amanda Bradshaw AH 322 October 1st, 2003

  2. What Is A Rib Fracture?? • A complete or incomplete fracture of any of the 12 ribs on either side. • Most are accompanied by sprain or rupture of muscles, tendons or ligaments between ribs (intercostal structures). • Relatively common injuries in contact sports.

  3. Body Parts Involved… • Any one or several of the 12 ribs • Soft tissue surrounding the fracture site. • Ribs 4-9 are most commonly broken due to blows because they are less protected.

  4. Signs and Symptoms • Sever pain at the fracture site • Tenderness to the touch • A feeling that the “ Wind has been knocked out” • Abdominal pain if the fractured ribs are below the diaphragm • Severe chest pain when coughing, sneezing, or breathing deeply.

  5. Cont’d • A feeling of small air pockets under the skin of the chest or neck if the lung has been injured and leaked air. • Swelling and bruising over the fracture site. • Shallow breathing

  6. Causes • Direct blow to the chest from a blunt object • Trauma to the chest • Hard Coughing or sneezing • Compression of the chest

  7. Increasing Risk Factors.. • Contact Sports • History of bone or joint disease • Poor nutrition

  8. Prevention • No specific preventive measures • Chance of re-injury can be minimized by using a chest support with a rigid pad

  9. Possible Complications • Ruptured lung • Injure the liver if the right 11th and 12th ribs are fractured and have jagged edges • Rupture the spleen if the left 11th and 12th ribs are fractured and have jagged edges. • Prolonged pain and slow healing

  10. Special Test

  11. How Is It Treated?? • DO NOT wear a rib belt or binder • To decrease pain when you cough, hold a small pillow or folded towel over the site and press firmly • Avoid strenuous activity • Eat normal, well-balanced, HIGH FIBER diet.

  12. Cont’d • Avoid Constipation • Take deep breaths several times a day • Apply an ice pack 3-4 times daily • After 2-3 days, if heat is more soothing apply heat pad

  13. Call Doctor When... • Develop fever > 101 degrees F • Develop cold or cough • Cough up thick or bloody sputum

  14. Medication 1.Aspirin 2.Ibuprofen 3.Possible injection of long-lasting anesthesia

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