How is a non displaced rib fracture treated?
Answer: It is true that usually not much can be done for a fractured rib that isn’t moved out of normal position and alignment (displaced). Treatment for a rib fracture is usually limited to providing adequate pain control, avoiding strenuous activities and letting it heal.
Do displaced rib fractures heal?
If the broken ribs are bent or displaced in such a way that they puncture the lungs, surgery might be needed to put the ribs back together using thin steel plates (called rib plating). Similarly, flail chest may require surgical rib fixation. Rib fractures can take up to 3 months to fully heal.
What causes a non displaced rib fracture?
The most common mechanism causing rib fractures is blunt trauma (i.e. automobile accidents, falls from height, assault, or even severe coughing). Blunt trauma causes rib fractures by exerting direct pressure on the rib causing it to break.
What is a posterior rib fracture?
Posterior rib fractures are commonly associated with flail segments, but are often minimally displaced due to surrounding soft tissue attachments and support.
Can a nondisplaced rib fracture become displaced?
Displaced and Nondisplaced Rib Fractures Completely broken ribs may or may not move out of place. If they do move, they’re called displaced rib fractures and are more likely to puncture lungs or damage other tissues and organs.
How long does it take for a displaced rib fracture to heal?
Healing takes at least 6 weeks. If you injure other body organs, you may need to stay in the hospital. Otherwise, you can heal at home. Most people with broken ribs do not need surgery.
How are displaced ribs treated?
Home treatment may include:
- resting.
- avoiding strenuous activities.
- applying heat or ice to the affected area.
- taking a painkiller like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve)
- doing stretching and rotation exercises.
What causes posterior rib fractures?
Broken ribs are most commonly caused by direct impacts — such as those from motor vehicle accidents, falls, child abuse or contact sports. Ribs also can be fractured by repetitive trauma from sports like golf and rowing or from severe and prolonged coughing.
Where is the posterior rib?
The bony ribs do not extend anteriorly completely around to the sternum. Instead, each rib ends in a costal cartilage. These cartilages are made of hyaline cartilage and can extend for several inches. Most ribs are then attached, either directly or indirectly, to the sternum via their costal cartilage (see (Figure)).