Rib Fracture

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• A rib fracture (frak-shur) is a break in a rib. There may be one or more breaks. An injury, such as a blow to the chest or a fall, forces the broken rib inward. The jagged edges of the broken rib could cut or tear the lung. This could cause bleeding inside the chest or could cause one of the lungs to collapse (deflate). Hard coughing or hard sneezing can also fracture a rib but the broken rib is forced outward. With this kind of fracture there is less chance of injury to the lungs.
  
  
• Rib fractures are common in sports activities and also in the elderly. You may have pain, especially when taking a breath. Other signs are tenderness, shallow breathing, or holding your chest. You may have bruising at the place of injury. You may need chest x-rays to see if your rib is fractured and to find out how well it is healing. Rib fractures usually heal on their own without treatment in about 3 to 6 weeks.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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