Chest Wall

The Chest Wall

(Broken or bruised ribs )

Bruised or broken ribs are common injuries. Symptoms of broken or bruised ribs include:

• Tenderness over the site of injury


• A broken rib may be palpated (the healthcare provider can feel the rib fracture move when pressed)


• The pain tends to be pleuritic (it hurts to take a deep breath and can be associated with shortness of breath).


• Because the surrounding muscles go into spasm, there is pain with any movement of the trunk.
  

The healthcare provider will want to listen to the chest to make certain that there is no associated lung damage. A chest x-ray may be done to look for a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or pulmonary contusion (a bruised lung). Special x-rays looking for rib fracture are not needed since the presence or absence of a fracture will not alter recuperation. Special attention will be given to the upper abdomen since the ribs protect the spleen and liver, to make certain there are no associated injuries.

The major complication of rib injuries is pneumonia. The lungs work like bellows. Normally, when one takes a breath, the ribs swing out and the diaphragm moves down, sucking air into the lungs. Because it hurts to take a deep breath, this mechanism is altered, and the lung underlying the injury may not fully expand. The result is a potential breeding ground for a lung infection (pneumonia).

Rib injury treatment:

• Pain control with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and narcotic pain medications.


• Apply ice to the affected area and periodically deep take breaths. An incentive spirometer may be provided to help visualize the amount of breath to take.


• Ribs are no longer wrapped or taped to help with comfort because of the risk of pneumonia.


• Whether broken or bruised, rib injuries take 3-6 weeks to heal.

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