Rib fracture - treatment, recovery after rib fractures. Treatment of rib fractures and further recovery Rehabilitation after a rib fracture

25.03.2016

Among all possible injuries and bruises of bones, the most common is a rib fracture or bruise. Anyone can get a chest injury, for example, by accidentally tripping on the street, or colliding with something hard. Rib injury is more common in older people, this is due to age-related changes that occur in bone tissue.

In people over 50 years of age, chest injuries are often accompanied by complications. In the event of a strong blow or fall, it is important to be able to determine the type of rib injury - whether it is a fracture or a bruise. Some symptoms of rib injuries are similar, but in case of a fracture, you should never postpone a visit to the doctor and self-medicate at home.

How to determine a rib fracture?

The characteristic symptoms of such a chest injury are a signal to consult a doctor. Signs of a rib fracture will help determine the nature of the injury:

• acute pain in the chest area, which intensifies with inspiration and during movement;
• the victim breathes quickly, but shallowly, the damaged part of the chest lags behind in breathing;
• if a fracture involves a lung, you may cough up blood;
• possible development of internal bleeding in the chest;
• After a few days, symptoms of post-traumatic pneumonia may appear.

Due to severe pain, the victim often cannot determine which rib is broken. This is determined by the doctor - upon palpation, a characteristic unevenness is felt at the site of the broken rib. It is impossible to diagnose and treat a broken rib at home; the treatment and regimen must be determined by a doctor after a thorough examination of the patient and analysis of a chest x-ray.

How to provide first aid?

A set of first aid measures in the event of a rib fracture consists of the following:

1. You should immediately apply a cold object or ice to the site of a possible fracture, this will help reduce swelling.
2. You must take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.
3. Apply a tight bandage to fix the injured rib in one position.
4. It is necessary to transport the victim to the hospital in a lying position, this will reduce pain.

In case of a rib fracture, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid dangerous complications. Under no circumstances should you attempt to treat a fracture at home without first being examined by a doctor. A rib fracture is a dangerous injury and self-medication can have serious consequences, including death.

How to cure a fracture?

If one or two ribs are fractured, after examination by a doctor, further treatment can be carried out at home. The doctor will apply a pressure bandage to the fracture area and put the victim on bed rest. To speed up recovery, the victim must constantly be in a semi-sitting position, limit physical activity and follow a special diet. During treatment, it is also necessary to do special breathing exercises that will help avoid congestion in the lungs. If any symptoms of pneumonia appear during home treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe antibiotics.

For simple fractures, the traumatologist may not apply a bandage or plaster, as this makes breathing difficult, thereby complicating the healing process of the ribs. In case of a fracture, the victim should sleep on a hard surface, preferably on his back or on the side on which the ribs are not damaged. If the injury led to the fracture of several ribs and the fracture is classified as complex, complete hospitalization of the victim is a prerequisite. If the injury leads to complications in the form of post-traumatic pneumonia, treatment involves taking antibiotics.

During recovery at home, an important condition is regular visits to the doctor, who will monitor the process of fusion of the ribs and, in case of complications, prescribe additional treatment in a timely manner. If you go to the emergency room in time and start treating the fracture in a timely manner, the injury will go away in 4–5 weeks, after which some time will be required for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation consists of performing a set of exercises aimed at stretching the muscles of the back and chest, restoring breathing and torso mobility.

Symptoms of bruised ribs

Chest injuries are not uncommon. It is easy to get a bruise at home, as a result of an accident or in a street fight. If one or more ribs are damaged, you should immediately consult a traumatologist. The doctor will send the patient for an x-ray, and after carefully studying the image, he will be able to accurately determine the severity of the injury and prescribe the necessary treatment. You can independently diagnose a rib bruise at home if the following symptoms are pronounced:

• the injury is accompanied by intense pain, the peak of which occurs at the time of injury to the rib;
• the bruise causes pain for a long time when moving and breathing;
• pain is felt during inhalation, and the condition is similar to a lack of air, as a result of which breathing is difficult;
• due to damage to blood vessels upon impact, a large hematoma appears around the bruise;
• swelling may appear around the bruised area; palpation of the swelling will intensify the pain;
• increased skin temperature or redness at the site of the injury.

What to do if you have a bruised rib?

If the bruise is correctly diagnosed, there are no protrusions or dents around the injured area that accompany a rib fracture, you should proceed to first aid.

• Any injury to the ribs and chest is accompanied by a complete restriction of a person’s physical activity for 2–3 days.
• Treatment of bruises is accompanied by taking painkillers.
• To make breathing easier, you can try lying on your injured side. This is only advisable if the injury did not damage the spine and the back muscles were not injured.
• A cold object or ice should be applied to the site of the injury. This will reduce swelling of the bruised area and pain. In this case, the patient’s body needs to be slightly raised, and a tight bandage should be applied to the bruise, on top of which ice or a towel soaked in ice water should be applied.
• After 2–3 days, you should begin to treat the bruise using warm compresses. Such compresses should be done 3 times a day - they help improve blood circulation, thereby promoting the speedy recovery of the damaged area.

Complications after bruised ribs

In the case where the bruise is in the heart area, it is absolutely impossible to treat such an injury at home. In this case, you should immediately call an ambulance. Such an injury is very dangerous; while waiting for a doctor, it is better not to move or touch the bruise. In this case, the doctor prescribes treatment on an individual basis after a thorough examination. You should also consult a doctor immediately if a rib injury is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• cough that produces blood;
• heart pain and heart rhythm disturbances;
• dizziness and loss of coordination;
• nausea and loss of consciousness.

Such symptoms may be associated with damage to the lung due to a blow to the ribs, in which case only a doctor will be able to carry out the necessary procedures and determine treatment.

For severe bruises, the doctor may prescribe a course of therapeutic physiotherapy, which will speed up recovery. Treatment of bruises may include a course of UHF procedures, treatment using electrophoresis and amplipulse.

Diet for fractures

During a rib fracture, everything possible should be done to speed up the healing of the bones. To do this, it is very important to supply the body with a sufficient amount of calcium, which is involved in bone repair. Here a special diet will come to the aid of the victim. In the case of a rib fracture, when the patient is prescribed bed rest and limited mobility, the principles of fractional nutrition should be adhered to. The menu should include the following products that help restore bones after a fracture:

• dairy products, especially low-fat cottage cheese;
• sea ​​and river fish with bones;
• sesame seeds or sesame oil;
• fresh fruits and vegetables.

For successful recovery, it is necessary to provide the body with the necessary minerals. First of all, bones need calcium and potassium to regenerate. You should also consume as many foods as possible that are rich in magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. If you provide the body with full saturation of useful minerals, the injury will heal much faster. In order for calcium to be well absorbed by the body, it is necessary to include B vitamins, vitamins C and D in the diet. These vitamins are contained in vegetables and fruits, cereals and whole grain bread.

Recovery from bruised or broken ribs

An injury such as a bruised or broken rib is characterized by limited mobility for a long period. In order to quickly restore mobility after a fracture or bruise, you should perform special stretching exercises. Doctors recommend doing physical therapy for a while after a fracture, which will help restore muscle tone. Physical therapy consists of simple exercises that can be easily done at home.

Also, after such injuries, regular visits to the pool are very useful. Swimming will help restore your back and chest muscles. To improve lung function, you can use special breathing exercises. You can even start doing breathing exercises while lying in bed during a fracture, just a few days after the injury stops causing pain.

A rib fracture is caused by physical force on the chest. According to statistics, such injuries are observed in 70% of people who consult a traumatologist regarding suspected chest injury, and in 16% of patients with fractures. More often, the integrity of the IV-VII ribs is compromised, and this fact is explained by the fact that in the area where they are located there is no corset of muscles that protects the remaining ribs, and they do not have the same flexibility as the lower ones.

The severity of rib injuries largely depends on the type of fracture and the presence of damage to the surrounding tissues and organs. In almost 60% of cases, such injuries are accompanied by damage to the lungs, pleura, esophagus, liver, blood vessels and heart. They are the most severe and can cause death. Fractures that are accompanied by a violation of the integrity of several ribs or multiple fractures are also considered dangerous. In such cases, the likelihood of developing severe complications increases significantly. Simple rib injuries usually heal on their own and do not pose a threat to the health or life of the patient.

Injuries to the ribs are more common in adults (especially older people), because the children's chest is more elastic and less susceptible to such injuries. In this article we will introduce you to the causes, types, symptoms, methods of providing first aid to the victim, methods of treating rib fractures and the characteristics of bed rest and sleep for such injuries.

Types of rib fractures

Depending on the presence of skin damage, a rib fracture may be:

• open - bone fragments violate the integrity of the skin and soft tissues;
• closed - bone fragments are located in the thickness of soft tissues and do not damage the skin.

Depending on the degree of damage to the bone tissue, a rib fracture can be:

• complete – the bone is damaged throughout its entire thickness;
• subperiosteal - the bone tissue of the rib is damaged;
• crack - only the tissue of the rib bone is damaged, and there is no fracture.

Based on the number of fractures, rib fractures can be:

• single – one rib is damaged;
• multiple – several ribs are damaged.

Depending on the location, rib fractures can be:

• unilateral - a violation of the integrity of one or more ribs occurs on one side of the chest;
• bilateral - the ribs of the right and left sides of the chest are damaged.

A fenestrated fracture is damage to a rib in two places, resulting in the formation of a mobile bone fragment.

Depending on the location of the bone fragments, a rib fracture can be:

• no offset;
• with offset.

Causes

Depending on the condition of the rib bones, experts distinguish two types of rib fractures. The first type includes damage to healthy bones caused by mechanical trauma. The second type of rib damage is classified as pathological fractures, which are provoked by changes in the bones that occur as a result of various diseases and minimal mechanical stress.

The first type of rib fractures is caused by the following injuries:

• traffic accidents;
• blow to the chest (fight, blow with a blunt object);
• falling from height;
• chest compression;
• sports injuries;
• gunshot wounds.

The second type of fractures is caused by minimal mechanical impact on the ribs in the following diseases:

• primary tumors of the ribs;
• malignant tumors and their metastases;
• genetic diseases.

Symptoms

The severity and nature of symptoms during fractures depends on the area of ​​their localization, severity and the presence of injuries to nearby organs.

Fractures of ribs without damage to internal organs

Pain

After an injury, a dull pain appears in the area of ​​the damaged rib, intensifying with a deep breath or coughing. It is caused by irritation of the nerve endings of the pleura and intercostal muscles by bone fragments. With fractures of the ribs located on the front of the chest, the pain is more intense, and with damage to the rib bones located on the back of the chest, the pain is less pronounced, because during breathing they move less and their fragments almost do not move.

Forced posture of the patient

To reduce pain, the victim tries to take a position that minimizes movement in the chest. Usually the patient leans towards the broken ribs or wraps his arms around the chest.

Shallow breathing

This symptom is also associated with pain. Because of its intensification with a deep breath, the patient tries to breathe so that the chest moves minimally. At the same time, on the side of the fracture, the chest lags behind in breathing.

Interrupted inspiration syndrome

When some try to breathe, the patient experiences intense pain and breathing becomes intermittent.

Changes in the area of ​​the rib injury

The skin over the broken rib becomes swollen. With mechanical impact, hematomas appear on the skin.

Breast deformity

Changes in breast shape occur when several ribs are damaged. This symptom is especially noticeable in thin people - upon examination, not only slight deformation is revealed, but also “erasure” of the intercostal spaces.

Crepitus

With multiple fractures without displacement or fractures with a large number of fragments, a crunching sound or a specific sound appears when the bones come into contact when rubbing.

Fractures of ribs with damage to internal organs and their complications

The nature of symptoms in rib fractures complicated by damage to internal organs depends on concomitant organ injuries. In addition to the symptoms characteristic of an uncomplicated fracture, the victim experiences a rapid pulse and severe pallor (sometimes with cyanosis).

In addition to the symptoms described above, the patient appears:

• lung injuries - the victim develops subcutaneous emphysema, accompanied by a sharp disturbance in breathing and air entering under the skin; when coughing, blood appears from the respiratory tract;
• damage to the aorta - massive blood loss leads to the death of the victim at the scene of the incident (such injuries are observed rarely and usually with a combined fracture of the ribs and spine or with an impact and compression of the chest with the formation of multiple left-sided fractures);
• heart damage - more often observed with a combined fracture of the sternum and ribs, can lead to the patient’s death (immediate, in the first hours or days) or heart contusions, which significantly complicate the patient’s subsequent life, causing dystrophic cardiosclerosis (mortality rate in such cases is up to 70% );
• liver damage - massive blood loss leads to death (every second victim dies 2 hours after such an injury).

Lung injuries due to rib fractures are observed more often. Depending on their severity, they can lead to the development of the following complications:

1. . A sharp restriction of movements due to intense pain, the inability to breathe normally, tight bandaging and damage to the lung tissue often leads to the development of pneumonia.
2. . Damage to lung tissue leads to the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity and compression of the chest organs. In the absence of timely medical attention, a pneumothorax can become tense and cause cardiac arrest and death of the victim. To prevent its development, a closed pneumothorax must be made open (a puncture is performed in the anterior wall of the chest, creating a hole for air to escape out).
3. Hemothorax. Rupture of blood vessels by rib fragments leads to accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity. The patient experiences shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. With massive bleeding and lack of medical care, which consists of stopping it and removing the accumulated blood using a puncture, respiratory failure occurs.
4. Respiratory failure. The victim's breathing becomes intermittent and rapid, the pulse quickens, the skin becomes pale and cyanotic. When performing respiratory movements, certain parts of the chest sink, and it becomes asymmetrical. In the absence of urgent medical care, the patient dies.
5. Pleuropulmonary shock. This condition develops with extensive injuries leading to pneumothorax and the entry of a large volume of air (especially cold) into the pleural cavity. The victim develops respiratory failure, a painful cough and cold extremities. In the absence of urgent medical care, the patient dies.

Stages of healing for rib fractures

• I – at the site of the fracture, blood accumulates, containing fibroblasts that produce connective tissue and form a connective tissue callus;
• II – mineral substances are deposited in the tissues of the connective tissue callus, and an osteoid callus is formed;
• III – hydroxyapatites accumulate in the tissues of the osteoid callus, making it more dense; at first its dimensions are larger than the diameter of the ribs, but over time they decrease.

First aid to the victim

First aid is aimed at reducing pain and fixing the body in one position, preventing the occurrence of pain and additional tissue injuries. To provide this, the following activities are carried out:

1. Give the patient a pain reliever.
2. Apply a tight bandage of bandages, towels or cloth to the chest. To reduce pain during this procedure, bandaging should be done while exhaling.
3. Apply ice to the injury site.
4. Give the patient a semi-sitting position: the back should rest on a hard surface, place a cushion under the legs.
5. Call an ambulance or take the victim to the hospital as soon as possible on a stretcher using improvised means that ensure his maximum immobility.
6. If signs of shock appear, provide the necessary assistance.

If you have broken ribs, you should not self-medicate! The use of compresses, ointments and other folk methods can significantly worsen the patient’s condition and cause the development of complications.

Diagnostics

A chest x-ray will help confirm the diagnosis of rib fracture.

To diagnose a rib fracture, the following measures are taken:

• interview and examination of the patient - crepitus is determined in the area of ​​injury and the step between the fragments of the rib bone is palpated;
• symptom of interrupted inhalation - when trying to inhale sharply, breathing is interrupted by intense pain;
• Payr's symptom - an attempt to tilt in the direction opposite to the fracture causes pain;
• a symptom of axial loads - when trying to compress the chest, pain occurs on the side of the injury.

To clarify the extent of rib damage and identify blood accumulation and other lesions, the following additional examination methods may be prescribed:

• x-rays (in anteroposterior projection);
• Ultrasound of the chest.

Treatment

The treatment tactics for rib fractures are determined by the severity of the injury and the presence of damage to internal tissues and organs.

For minor fractures, a circular bandage of elastic bandages is applied to the patient’s chest and pain relief is performed using a novocaine blockade. To do this, a local anesthetic and 1 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol are injected into the projection of the fracture. Over time, this procedure can be repeated. For extensive injuries, pain relief can be supplemented with narcotic drugs.

In some cases, a plaster corset or bandage is used to more reliably immobilize the chest. To fix bone fragments in case of bilateral fractures, surgery may be recommended to install fixing plates that can hold the rib fragments in the required position until complete healing.

Surgical treatment is always performed for open rib fractures. During the intervention, the edges of the wound are processed, tissues incapable of restoration are removed, and damaged large blood vessels are ligated. After this, the wound is sutured.

Rib fractures are often complicated by pneumonia. Antibiotics and symptomatic medications are used to treat them.

In case of damage to lung tissue and large blood vessels, the patient may undergo the following surgical procedures:

• for pneumothorax, a puncture of the pleural cavity is performed to remove air and restore normal pressure in the lungs using a vacuum pump;
• in case of extensive hemothorax, a puncture of the pleural cavity is performed to remove blood (if the volume of blood is small, the puncture is not performed and the blood resolves on its own).

When rib fractures are complicated by pneumothorax, hydrothorax and respiratory failure, the necessary drug therapy is prescribed to stabilize the condition. To eliminate oxygen starvation, oxygen inhalations are performed.

A rib fracture is accompanied by severe pain in the chest, which worsens when taking a deep breath. Breathing becomes shallow, resulting in an increased risk of developing. Upon examination, painful swelling is revealed at the site of a strong blow or bruise. When a rib is fractured, the symptom of “interrupted inspiration” is characteristic; due to pain, a person interrupts his attempt to take a deep breath. Pain is also detected when bending in the healthy direction.

If the ribs are injured, the lung may be damaged, in which case the patient may experience subcutaneous emphysema, hemoptysis, pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural area), hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity). As first aid, you need to give the victim an analgesic and fix the chest in one position. To do this, it is tightly bandaged with bandages.

During transport to the hospital, the victim should be in a sitting or semi-sitting position.

How long does it take to treat a rib fracture?

The average treatment period for uncomplicated rib fractures is about 1 month. In young people, bones heal in two to three weeks. In people over the age of 40, the healing period grows together in three to four weeks; in older people, the treatment period is longer - up to one and a half months. Uncomplicated, cracks of one or two ribs are treated on an outpatient basis. The patient must come to the hospital for medical appointments and routine procedures.

At the first visit, the traumatologist performs local anesthesia or vagosympathetic blockade according to Vishnevsky to relieve pain. To exclude complications, palpation of the abdominal cavity is performed. The victim is prescribed analgesics, expectorants, therapeutic exercises to improve lung ventilation, and physiotherapeutic procedures. There is no need to fix rib fractures. As a rule, fixation is carried out only in cases of significant damage to the chest or existing unstable fractures.

If complications are suspected during treatment, fluoroscopy is performed.

Complicated fractures of three or more ribs are treated in a hospital. In case of severe pneumothorax, a puncture is performed to remove air. In case of hemothorax, blood is removed from the pleural cavity also using a puncture. If a patient has developed post-traumatic pneumonia, to restore normal ventilation of the lungs, in addition to the main treatment, he is prescribed therapeutic exercises. During the recovery period after a fracture, it is best for the victim to sleep on a high pillow and a flat surface to ensure an elevated position of the torso during sleep.

Bone fractures can be either the result of injury or a consequence of diseases - tuberculosis, osteoporosis, and other pathological conditions accompanied by the destruction of bone tissue. Complete restoration of bones after a fracture requires a long time and depends on the nature of the injury, as well as on how correctly and timely the treatment was carried out.

Instructions

The healing time of fractures is determined by several factors, the main one of which is the type of fracture. A simple uncomplicated fracture without bone displacement will heal faster than a splintered or helical one.

Large bones heal slowly - a fracture of the tibia heals on average in two to three months, while a wrist bone can heal in four weeks, and a finger in 20-25 days. In this case, we are not talking about complete healing - in the specified time frame, only the formation of bone callus and bone fusion occur, and complete restoration of the bone usually takes at least another three to four months. With multiple fractures, more time is required to treat each individual injury.

Another factor influencing the speed of healing is the general condition of the body. Even severe fractures in young and healthy people or in children heal much faster than simple fractures in people who are elderly, malnourished, or suffering from metabolic disorders.

Fractures heal more slowly in those who are overweight and in people suffering from chronic diseases, especially inflammatory ones.

The most common injuries to the torso include rib fractures. The ribs make up the bony frame that covers the internal organs. The bones form the so-called rib cage, which consists of 12 pairs of ribs. They are connected to each other by muscles, attached to the spine, and in front the upper ribs end in cartilaginous tissue.

The anatomy of the chest is designed to provide both protection and sufficient bone mobility during breathing. Therefore, part of the upper ribs is attached to the sternum, the middle costal bones are connected to each other by cartilage tissue, and the lower ones are in a free position.

The inner surface of the ribs has a connective membrane, under which the pleura is located.

The mechanics of rib fractures have three main sources.

• Fractures caused by a direct blow to the chest area;
• Damage to bone tissue as a result of compression of the body;
• Falls from heights.

Since the ribs are tightly connected by muscles, a fracture of one bone does not pose a significant threat to the body. Such injuries usually occur without displacement of the fragments. If the rib injury did not affect the pleura and lung tissue, and the heart was not damaged, then the treatment is conservative and quite easy.

Another type of fracture, which accounts for about 60% of all chest injuries, is damage to bone tissue, complicated by injuries to internal organs. Multiple fractures form sharp fragments that rupture the pleura and lungs. Such incidents require urgent hospitalization of the victim and often require surgical intervention. These two types should be distinguished by their characteristic symptoms.

Symptoms

A direct blow to the chest area or compression of this area can cause damage to bone tissue. This is expressed by difficulty breathing, sharp pain when taking a deep breath. The symptom of interrupted inspiration is distinctive for this fracture, since even with a severe bruise the person will be able to fill the lungs to capacity. If there is no rib fracture, the inhalation symptom is not observed.

In a calm state, the patient may not experience sharp pain, but when coughing or moving at the site of injury, severe pain occurs.

A threatening symptom of a rib fracture with lung damage is a bloody cough. The patient may cough up frothy blood or pink fluid.

Clinical manifestations of a rib fracture can be: swelling at the site of injury, a possible hematoma, during palpation bone fragments or deformation of bone tissue in the form of steps can be felt; Pressure in the area of ​​maximum pain is characterized by a crunching sound (crepitus).

Stages of treatment

The final diagnosis and diagnosis is carried out using radiography, which determines whether there is a displacement of fragments towards the internal organs, the number of fracture lines and their direction, as well as other factors of injury.

As mentioned, uncomplicated rib fractures are subject to conservative treatment, and in the most favorable cases, outpatient treatment (at home). During the acute period, the patient is given painkillers, the chest is tightly bandaged and rest is prescribed. However, before this it is necessary to take an x-ray to make sure that there is no displacement of the rib fragments.

Treatment of complicated fractures consists of several sequential actions:

1. Preventing the development of hemothorax (blood accumulation between the pleural layers). A small amount of blood resolves on its own, but if large vessels have been damaged, the accumulation of blood clots can only be prevented by puncture - sucking blood through a needle. Sometimes the blood removal procedure needs to be performed several times. Control consists of timely X-rays and detection of the formation of blood clots.
2. Preventing pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the chest, resulting in compression of the lung and impaired breathing function). Complications such as hemothorax and pneumothorax may not occur immediately after injury, but several hours later, so rib fractures require very careful monitoring in the first 24 hours after the incident.
3. Reposition of fragments , removal of sharp fragments that damage the lungs or pleura.
4. Fixation of bone fragments . For this purpose, osteosynthesis techniques are used.
5. Prescription of complex treatment in the form of expectorants, painkillers, antibacterial therapy (if indicated), rehabilitation therapy in the form of breathing exercises to increase ventilation.

In some cases, when a hard object hits the chest, fenestrated fracture. In this case, several bones break in the form of a window or “in a circle”, forming an internal area that is more mobile during breathing. Treatment of such a fracture occurs surgically; bone fragments are collected and fixed using a special apparatus. Most often, Kirschner wires are used, but other methods may be used if indicated.

In cases of multiple fractures, it is necessary to restore the frame functions of the chest. To do this, immobilization is created by traction on the soft tissues and sternum. Fixation is carried out using plastic splints installed on the chest.

First aid for broken ribs

Most often, a rib fracture occurs at the point of greatest flexion.(usually along the lateral surfaces of the chest).

A victim with the first signs of a rib fracture should go to the hospital or call an ambulance. It is impossible to treat rib fractures at home or using traditional methods. Do not apply ice to the chest or rub various painkillers and warming ointments into it. All these actions can lead to displacement of bone fragments of the ribs and the occurrence of life-threatening complications for the patient (for example, pneumothorax).

If the victim is taken to the hospital, then it is necessary to transport him in a lying or half-sitting position.

Uncomplicated rib fractures are treated with immobilization using a circular bandage or plaster cast. During the treatment period, the patient should consume a large amount of calcium-containing foods; you can also additionally drink collagen preparations (for example, “Collagen Ultra”).

Orthosis for rib fractures

When treating a rib fracture, the patient can wear a special bandage. It is designed to create the necessary compression of the chest and good fixation of fragments after a bone fracture. The chest bandage is very comfortable to use and can be worn under or over clothing. An orthosis for rib fractures should be prescribed by a traumatologist or surgeon. It can be purchased at any orthopedic department or store and is inexpensive. Before purchasing a bandage, be sure to measure the volume of the chest and select it according to size for better fixation.

There are separate models of rib braces for men and women. The orthosis for women takes into account the anatomical structure of the female figure. It is made of elastic hypoallergenic material; for fixation there are special “Velcro”, with the help of which the patient can accurately follow the contours of his own body and reliably fix broken bones.

Wearing a bandage for a rib fracture promotes faster healing of the fracture and the patient’s recovery in the postoperative period.

Many patients who began wearing a brace after an injury note a significant decrease in pain at the site of a rib fracture and say that “it has become easier to breathe.”

What complications can arise from a rib fracture?

1. Trauma to the pleura and lungs;
2. Development of symptoms of acute respiratory failure (grade 1-3);
3. Open pneumothorax;
4. Closed pneumothorax;
5. Valvular pneumothorax;
6. Hemorrhage;
7. Pleuropulmonary shock;
8. Subcutaneous emphysema;
9. Development of severe bleeding when intercostal vessels are damaged.

Subcutaneous emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema is one of the serious complications of rib fractures. It occurs as a result of air penetration through a pleural layer damaged by a rib fragment and is localized in the subcutaneous tissue. Taking into account the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the tissue - the absence of fascia, the air in the victim quickly spreads to the chest area, and also passes to the neck and face area, a characteristic appearance appears. When palpating the area of ​​subcutaneous emphysema, you can hear a sound reminiscent of the crunching of “dry” snow. If the victim has severe signs of subcutaneous emphysema, then auscultation and percussion will not give any results and cannot be used as diagnostic methods.

Pneumothorax

This pathological condition is determined by the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity as a result of fractured ribs and damage to the pleural cavity and lungs (one or two).

There are several types of pneumothorax:

1. Open;
2. Closed;
3. Valve;
4. Tense.

Open pneumothorax resulting from rib fracture

Open pneumothorax occurs when one or more ribs are fractured and is characterized by the presence of free communication of the pleural cavity with air (external environment). The clinical picture of open pneumothorax is very difficult.

Clinical picture

1. Victims with open pneumothorax behave restlessly;
2. When examining the patient, noticeable shortness of breath and acrocyanosis;
3. The patient's breathing is rapid and shallow;
4. If the victim tries to take a deep breath, the pain at the site of injury intensifies;
5. The patient's pulse quickens, blood pressure may be within normal limits or slightly reduced;
6. When examining the chest of the victim, there is limited mobility of one half;
7. The patient “spares” that part of the chest when breathing where the rib fracture occurred;
8. On the victim’s chest, you can see the wound surface and the presence of subcutaneous emphysema;
9. The doctor hears, even at a short distance, the sound of air being sucked through the wound surface when inhaling, and when exhaling, you can hear the air coming out back;
10. Upon percussion of the chest, tympanitis is determined at the site of pneumothorax;
11. If an open pneumothorax is accompanied by hemothorax, then upon percussion of the chest the patient can hear a dull sound at the site of injury;
12. Auscultation of the lungs reveals a sharp weakening of breathing in the upper chest and almost complete absence in the lower lobes of the lungs;

Urgent Care

1. The doctor must apply an aseptic occlusive dressing to the wound surface to the victim with rib fractures (it must be airtight);
2. In case of rib fractures and symptoms of open pneumothorax, the victim must be anesthetized (narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics are used);
3. If there are signs of respiratory failure, the patient is allowed to breathe oxygen through a mask;
4. The victim is given symptomatic therapy (for example, normalization of blood pressure);
5. A patient with symptoms of open pneumothorax must be hospitalized in the surgical department of a hospital on a stretcher (the best option for this type of injury is a semi-sitting position).

Closed pneumothorax caused by rib fracture

This condition is clinically much easier than open pneumothorax.

Features of the clinical picture

The manifestation of the degree of respiratory and cardiovascular failure in the victim is directly dependent on the volume of air in the chest (that is, on the severity of the resulting pneumothorax).

The patient's breathing is weakened by auscultation on the side of the rib fracture and characteristic amphoric or bronchial breathing appears.

Diagnostics

The main and most reliable diagnostic method after x-ray is pleural puncture, which must be performed in a sterile hospital environment by a surgeon.

Urgent Care

1. The doctor must relieve the pain syndrome in the victim by administering narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics;
2. Oxygen therapy (supply of humidified oxygen through nasal cannulas or a mask);
3. Symptomatic therapy;

Non-tension pneumothorax caused by rib fracture

This is one of the most serious pathologies, which is very difficult and requires urgent medical attention.

The clinical picture characteristic of this condition is due to the fact that the victim experiences a displacement of the mediastinum, as well as kinking of large blood vessels, medium and small bronchi, accompanied by severe cardiovascular insufficiency.

Symptoms

1. The victim has cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes;
2. Signs of respiratory failure come to the fore in the clinical picture: the patient’s breathing is rapid, with the participation of auxiliary muscles;
3. The patient's heart rate increases and blood pressure increases;
4. When examining the victim’s chest, you can see that one half is practically not involved in the act of breathing;
5. Percussion of the chest on the affected side reveals tympanitis and a strong displacement of cardiac dullness.

Urgent Care

1. A non-tension pneumothorax is an emergency situation and therefore first aid includes immediate decompression (relieving pressure in the chest). For this purpose, pleural puncture is performed using a special needle with a valve;
2. Another way to treat this pathological condition is to apply a Belau underwater drainage system;
3. Oxygen therapy (supply of humidified oxygen through a mask or nasal cannulas);
4. Symptomatic therapy (stabilization of vital body functions);
5. Urgent hospitalization of the victim in a surgical or intensive care unit of a hospital;
6. Position of the patient during transportation: on a stretcher, semi-sitting.

Hemothorax

This condition is characterized by the accumulation of blood and blood clots in the pleural cavity and can occur when ribs are fractured and the blood vessels are damaged.

There are three degrees of hemothorax:

1. Small hemorrhage (blood volume in the chest up to 500 ml);
2. Average hemorrhage (blood volume up to 1 liter);
3. Large hemorrhage (blood volume more than 1 liter).

If a victim has air and blood in the pleural cavity as a result of an injury, then on the x-ray it can be seen as a horizontal level.

Hemothorax is a life-threatening situation, as compression of the lung increases very quickly and internal blood loss progresses.

At the first signs of hemorrhage in a patient with a rib fracture, he must be urgently hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a surgical hospital.

Considering the above complications, a victim with symptoms of rib fractures should definitely consult a doctor.

Rehabilitation

Bone tissue restoration occurs in 3-4 weeks. During the period of callus formation at the fracture site, the patient needs to regularly perform breathing exercises to avoid pneumonia due to low gas exchange in the lungs. For the same purpose, various procedures are prescribed: soda inhalations, electrophoresis, UHF, mustard plasters, cupping, etc.

The remaining rehabilitation measures meet the standards for any fractures - a calcium diet, taking medications with collagen protein, a vitamin and mineral complex, a complex of physical therapy under the supervision of a rehabilitation physician.

Only your attending physician can tell you a more accurate forecast of complete recovery - how long it takes for a rib fracture to heal.

The structure of bones contains osteocells of various types. Some are responsible for the mechanism of musculoskeletal activity, others for destruction and degeneration, and others for the basic substance. At an early age, organic elements predominate in the human body. However, in the process of growing up, the ratios of substances change direction, which leads to fragility and destruction of bone tissue. Although, despite the body’s high resistance to external factors, problems can also arise in the younger generation. In view of this, most people have a completely appropriate question about how long it takes for a rib fracture to heal.

Features of the development of fractures

Rib injuries often result in fractures due to their specific anatomy. The connection to the sternum and spine is fragile, and the arched shape increases the level of vulnerability. The bone structures are fused only in the first seven pairs, the rest are fastened with cartilage tissue.

Injuries in this area occur in 15% of all existing options. The occurrence of such problems increases when ossification occurs. Thus, the question of how long it takes for the ribs to heal after a fracture is quite justified.

Such injuries are dangerous because other very important organs of the cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary systems are located next to them. In addition, at first a person may not be aware that he has damage in this area. If you start the treatment process, complications arise.

Reasons leading to damage

The most important causes of fractures are considered to be two groups: traumatic and pathological.

The first one can be called:

• blows;
• squeezing;
• collision;
• falling;
• compression;
• sports injuries.

The second is pathological and occurs in the following situations:

• connective tissue disorders (arthritis);
• oncological processes;
• tumors;
• problems with bone cells and structures that cause osteoporosis;
• sternum abnormal anatomy for various reasons;
• pathological disorders at the hereditary level that lead to bone fragility.

In any case, this problem is considered to be a complete or partial violation of the integrity of the bone. Some parents do not know all the nuances and subtleties of the functioning of the systems, so they ask themselves in advance how long it takes for a rib to heal after a fracture in a child. In childhood, bone tissue contains predominantly organic and cartilaginous elements, so they are elastic and resilient. Thus, fractures rarely occur in a child; rather, these injuries are similar to fractures. However, if just such a problem is diagnosed, it means that the baby has been subjected to traumatic effects.

Classification and mechanism of fractures

To carry out the correct treatment, the doctor conducts a diagnosis, as a result, certain situations are identified. This data obtained during the examination will answer questions about whether there is displacement, the number of broken bones, and many others. In the process, it will also become known, if the rib is fractured, how long it takes to heal. Based on the examination, such damage is classified as follows:

• the injury can be open or closed, that is, with or without tears in the skin;
• intensity, which will indicate a complete divergence of the tissue or the type of crack, branches - the ends are damaged, but at the same time fixed to each other;
• local position: unilateral or bilateral.

These injuries can be multiple, single, or displaced. Depending on this, fusion and healing occurs quickly or slowly. The rib is depressed or collapses depending on the location of the damage. A similar problem occurs in different ways and has varying degrees of severity, symptoms, etc. However, treatment often involves a certain complex nature.

Specific features of fractures

How many ribs there are depends on the extent of the damage and other factors. The main manifestations of such damage are as follows:

• constant pain, aggravated by breathing, rapid movement, or pressing;
• swelling, hematomas, redness occur around the affected area;
• deformed;
• emphysema, subcutaneous pleura, manifested due to collected air;
• coughing up blood - happens if the lung is damaged.

Complicated consequences of fractures

Severe forms of damage may have the following complications:

• The shock process develops with bleeding and especially in the cold.
• Lack of respiratory activity - the patient cannot breathe calmly and freely due to pain, as a result, cyanosis appears, pulse and breathing increase.
• Air penetrates into the pleural space, suffocation occurs - pneumothorax;
• Hemothorax is hemorrhage into the cavity between the pleura, resulting in a clinical drop in pressure, arrhythmia.
• Pneumonia or inflammatory process in the pulmonary system. This option can occur when the patient is immobile for a long time, in the presence of infection and foci of inflammation. However, such an outcome occurs in rare cases.

Patients who have similar injuries often ask the doctor the question of how long it takes for a person’s ribs to heal after a fracture. As a rule, bones grow together according to a certain principle. First, connective tissue grows, then a callus is formed, in which various cells and elements will be present. In the process, the new formation will completely cover the defect that has arisen, the affected area will acquire density and structure.

Additional symptoms of injuries

How long it takes for a rib fracture to heal directly depends on immobilization and proper treatment. Such injuries mainly occur after strong blows, bruises and other accidents. They are characterized by symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and others. Multiple fractures are dangerous due to insufficient respiratory activity.

Healing goes through several stages, but directly depends on proper immobilization. First, you need to correctly apply a tight bandage, ensuring immobility of the bone structures of the ribs, then you need to fix them with a splint. If an incident resulting in injury to a person occurs somewhere on the road, in a public institution or place, then, if possible, the patient is taken to the nearest emergency department.

Transporting the patient to the clinic

To take a patient to the clinic yourself, you must adhere to certain rules:

• the comfort of the tire, which does not cause pain and does not compress anything;
• rapid immobilization;
• the wound is closed with an aseptic tourniquet;
• transport the patient in a semi-sitting state.

When such injuries occur, the victim wonders how long it takes for a rib fracture to heal. The areas that are most damaged are those that are most curved. If only one element is damaged, then fusion will be quite fast with competent treatment and therapy. However, in most cases, multiple fractures occur with compression and with the fall of two ends, injuring soft tissues and causing bleeding and effusion. The answer to the question of how long it takes for a displaced rib fracture to heal can be given by a high-quality diagnosis and examination by a doctor.

Examination and research of bone structures in injuries

The diagnosis of the patient is carried out by a doctor who will palpate (examine) the bone structures in order to determine the degree of damage and the local location of the injury. For specific pain, the following research methods are additionally prescribed:

• an informative, accurate method is radiography, which will reveal even the most minor fractures;
• tomography using computer technology - identifies complex and questionable injuries;
• magnetic resonance or wave therapy, prescribed for contraindications to radiography;
• Ultrasound diagnostics will analyze the healing process;
• angiography, laboratory blood tests - additional research methods and options for a clearer and more accurate result.

How long the ribs heal after a fracture also depends on timely first aid and hospitalization. In any case, the victim must be immediately immobilized using splints, tourniquets, bandages and ensure proper transportation to the clinic. Among other things, it is important to check the injured area for open wounds. If there are any, then they need to be treated with a disinfectant. After such actions, it is necessary to hermetically seal with clean paper, film and additional airtight material so that air does not penetrate into the chest cell and the lung does not collapse.

How long does a rib fracture take to heal: symptoms and treatment

If the injury is not complicated, then recovery occurs gradually and independently, the main thing is to provide the most gentle conditions for the patient. Bone integrity occurs within a month. For the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, healing may take several weeks. Inpatient treatment includes:

• therapy with painkillers;
• applying a bandage with additional elastic materials;
• removal of excess air or blood (pneumothorax and hemothorax);
• elimination of insufficiency of the respiratory system;
• rapid recovery of multiple injuries, especially for areas that will not heal on their own.

How many ribs may depend on proper sleep. To speed up the fusion process and reduce pain, the patient needs to fall asleep in a reclining or sitting position. Similar conditions apply to facilitate.

Rehabilitation and prevention

After basic treatment, the injured person needs a set of restorative measures. As long as the fracture of two ribs heals, the patient will need the same amount of rehabilitation therapy. If the injury is uncomplicated and the bones have fused within a few weeks, therefore, preventive measures will be minimal and simple.

If the disease is pathological, then the underlying problem must first be treated. In case of a simple fracture, treatment with local analgesics and painkillers will be required. In the process, hematomas and other things resolve on their own. Complex injuries require comprehensive care and rest.

Rehabilitation activities include:

• exclusion of physical and other activities for a couple of weeks;
• classes should be minimal, therapeutic, in the process the amplitude and strength will increase;
• breathing exercises are required;
• A balanced diet containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals is important.

You need to sleep in a way that is comfortable and, if possible, on a hard surface.

Terms of healing and fusion of fractures

How long it takes for a rib fracture to heal without displacement, with it, multiple, depends on the person himself. Bone structures grow together in a short time if assistance was provided quickly and efficiently, without additional or direct complications and pathologies. Among other things, recovery will be quick if the victim behaves correctly.

It is important for the patient to follow the diet, routine and lifestyle. The doctor gives recommendations and instructions - the victim follows them. The patient should avoid physical activity, adhere to bed rest and the doctor’s instructions. If a person does all this, then healing of the damaged area occurs soon.