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Rib fractures can occur for many reasons. Some rib fractures are generally ignored and heal spontaneously in a short time. However, life-threatening problems may occur in more advanced rib fractures. Sometimes these symptoms present late. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist even with the slightest suspicion of a rib fracture. So how is a rib fracture diagnosed, and is it possible to resolve spontaneously? Let's look at all these answers.

How Does a Rib Fracture Occur?

The pre-bone that binds the ribs is the sternum. Fractures behind this bone are one of the most challenging types of fractures to detect and are often difficult to see, even with x-rays.

Although the structure of the ribs, located between the anterior sternum and the posterior vertebrae, is bony, they are quite flexible. The flexibility of the ribs and the muscles between them aid in breathing. Rib fractures can occur as a result of traffic accidents, falls from a height or simple falls.

Rib fractures may occur with severe coughing due to osteoporosis in elderly patients.

How Is Rib Fracture Diagnosed?

As we mentioned above, the anterior and posterior shadows of the ribs may obscure the detection of a rib fracture during an X-ray. Of course, this is only sometimes the case. Sometimes, an X-ray is the only method to detect rib fractures. It depends on the size of the fracture and its location.

Rib fractures present with severe pain in the area. Patients with rib fractures have difficulty in breathing. They, therefore, feel the need to put pressure on their ribs during breathing. Sometimes, a crackling sensation occurs when touched. If the patient coughs after the fracture, the bones will sink, and therefore more severe pain occurs. In this case, the patient tries to hold back his cough, resulting in the inability to expel sputum and wheezing. Primary symptoms of rib fracture are as follows:

  • Pain,
  • Shallow and frequent breathing,
  • Distorted breast shape,
  • Edema or swelling in the fractured area,
  • Crackling sound or sensation,
  • Air accumulation under the skin,
  • Accumulation of blood and air between the lung membranes,
  • Bleeding from the mouth.

The presence of one or more of the complaints above reminds us of a rib fracture. We diagnose the rib fracture using a few simple diagnostic methods.

Methods Used in the Diagnosis of Rib Fracture

A patient's history and chest X-ray are essential for diagnosing rib fractures. Chest X-ray is the most commonly used method to detect rib fractures; no other method is necessary. When the fracture is minor and not relocated, chest radiography may be insufficient for diagnosis, and additional diagnostic methods are needed. Other diagnostic methods are as follows:

  • Computed Tomography: This method is more sensitive than X-ray. It can show the changes in the structure of damaged ribs, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
  • Ultrasound: It is used to detect blood accumulation in the lungs.

Computed tomography and ultrasound are necessary when conditions such as lung collapse (pneumothorax), tissue damage, or lung bleeding are suspected. Rib fractures can also be diagnosed simply by listening to the patient's history and physical examination.

Does Rib Fracture Heal By Itself?

If the rib fracture is not severe, it may heal spontaneously within 6-7 months, depending on the size of the fracture. Of course, self-medication is extremely risky and it is highly recommended to see a doctor at the slightest suspicion of a rib fracture.

Even if the fracture is not severe, other complications may accompany it. In some cases, we do not recommend intervention. We recommend medication and rest. Therefore, even if rib fractures can heal on their own, patients should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations.

Rib Fracture Treatment

During the breathing process, the movements of the chest are continuous. Therefore, rib fractures also move constantly. Depending on the rib cage's movements, the ribs' movement also prolongs the fracture's healing process. Rib fractures may recur during the healing process, especially in people who smoke or cough too much. During this process, the patient receives pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or expectorant drugs. At the same time, the patient should rest at a 45-degree angle.

If the patient is young or has less than three severe rib fractures in the body, the patient is usually treated at home. However, when complicated patients are hospitalized as inpatients. In this process, we can also administer opioid treatment to the rib nerves of the patient.

Surgical intervention is not favorable in the treatment of rib fractures. We recommend surgical intervention in cases where the fractures are in several locations, and breathing is difficult.

With surgical intervention, a plate is inserted into the fracture, and thus the rib cage is stabilized.

 

Fractured rib ends can invade the lungs, cause pneumothorax, and form a condition called lung collapse. In this case, we treat it with tube thoracostomy and drain the air. If bleeding is excessive, then surgical intervention is performed.

How Long Does It Take for Rib Fractures to Heal?

The healing time of rib fractures entirely depends on the size of the fractures and how they occur. For example, the healing time is usually 4 to 6 weeks in fractures that are end-to-end and not very deep. The healing process will take longer for people who smoke, cough, or move too much. If lung damage has occurred along with the rib fracture, it may take up to 6 months for the disease to completely heal.

Even if there is a slight doubt, it is crucial to consult a doctor and understand whether the rib fracture is damaging other vital organs. Because even a minimal situation can cause more severe health problems in the future. If you have a broken rib and are resting at home or recovering from a rib fracture, you can make an appointment to ask your questions.

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