Question 1

why does my left sided rib fracture still hurt after 3 months ?

Accepted Answer

May not have healed : Usually broken ribs heal in 2-3 months but occasionally it may  take little longer as long as it continues to improve and it is not getting worse in terms  of pain just give it some more time  to heal completely hopefully it will resolve soon good luck if the pain is getting worse however then talk to your doctor so he may check it out.

Question 2

1week since i fell & hurt chest & ribs  lt. side. doctor thinks nondisplaced rib fracture but hurt all the way to shoulder blade pain 6/10. what to do?

Accepted Answer

Chest Wall Injuries: Unfortunately it'll continue to hurt for few weeks before it gets better
The chest wall is in continuous movement with ring respiration and  that gives a little time for the muscles to rest and recover from the injury
What you need now is strong pain killers, to  help  you breathing better and helps you breathing deep to prevent any infections of the lungs

Question 3

can you still exercise with a rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Most rob fractures require relative rest , ice and nsaids. Significantly painful rob fractures may require stronger pain medications. Rib fractures may tale 4 to 8 weeks to heal. Your discomfort may be improved by also wearing a rib belt. Significantly displaced rib fractures will need close monitoring. It depends on the type of exercise and the severity of the rib fracture to determine activity.

Question 4

is it possible to cause a rib fracture possibly by accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Any trauma can cause it accidental or otherwise.

Question 5

what are some common secondary injuries that could occur from a rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

Several: Pneumothorax (lung collapse), lung injury, spleen injury, pneumonia (from splinting) and vascular injury are among the more common.

Question 6

what is the surgery for multiple rib fracture secondary to vehicular accidents?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Most rib fractured are treated by supportive care, that is by addressing the pain associated with the fractures but not treating the fracture directly.  Rib fractures are treated surgically with plates and screws when associated with injured organs (spleen, liver, etc) in order to decrease the risk of further injury and complications.

Question 7

does osteoporosis effect the healing of a rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

Theoretically yes: but because ribs are not weight bearing bones, not as much as it would affect long bones or vertebra.  Osteopenia is probably a contributing factor for the original fracture, making the rib weaker and more prone to fracture.  But it should not affect the healing time that much.

Question 8

what is the difference between a posterior and a posterolateral rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

It is simply: the location of the fracture along the course of the rib.  The ribs begin at the junction of the spine near the midline of your back, and curve to the anterior chest., so a posterior fracture would be the back part of the rib, posterolateral would be along your side towards the back.

Question 9

how do i know if it is a rib fracture or bruise?

Accepted Answer

Xrays: For an isolated fracture the only way to be sure is to get x-rays and maybe a cat scan.  If you have multiple fractures this can cause a segment of your chest to be loose. This can be seen w/o x-rays.

Question 10

physical therapy of multiple rib fracture?

Accepted Answer

Gradual: Rib fractures heal in about 6-8 weeks.  Therapy is geared towards restoring mobility and strengthening muscles between and around the ribs.  Therapy should begin once it can be tolerated and the intensity should be increased gradually.

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Doctor answers about:

Complex rib fracture of multiple ribs on right side

A member asked:

Why does my left sided rib fracture still hurt after 3 months ?

A member asked:

1week since i fell & hurt chest & ribs lt. side. doctor thinks nondisplaced rib fracture but hurt all the way to shoulder blade pain 6/10. what to do?

A member asked:

Can you still exercise with a rib fracture?

A member asked:

Is it possible to cause a rib fracture possibly by accident?

A member asked:

What are some common secondary injuries that could occur from a rib fracture?

A member asked:

What is the surgery for multiple rib fracture secondary to vehicular accidents?

A member asked:

Does osteoporosis effect the healing of a rib fracture?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a posterior and a posterolateral rib fracture?

A member asked:

How do i know if it is a rib fracture or bruise?

A member asked:

Physical therapy of multiple rib fracture?

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