Broken ribs

Overview

Broken ribs Enlarge image

Close

Broken ribs

Broken ribs

A broken rib happens when one of the bones in the rib cage cracks or breaks. If two or more ribs that are next to each other break, this can create a condition called a "flail chest." This can make it hard to breathe. The condition typically is caused by severe trauma and requires urgent medical attention.

A broken rib is a common injury. It happens when one of the bones in the rib cage cracks or breaks. The most common causes are falls, car accidents and contact sports.

Many broken ribs are simple cracks. These are painful but not typically dangerous. More-serious breaks can cause a rib to split into pieces. Sharp bone edges can injure the lungs, blood vessels or other organs.

If two or more ribs that are next to each other break, this can create a free-floating part of the chest wall called a "flail chest." This serious condition can make it hard to breathe. It typically is caused by severe trauma and requires urgent medical attention.

Most broken ribs heal on their own in about six weeks. Good pain control is important. It helps you breathe deeply. When you breathe deeply, you lower the risk of lung conditions, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms

A broken rib can cause pain. The pain may get worse when you:

• Take a deep breath.
• Press on the injured area.
• Bend or twist your body.

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare professional if your rib area is sore after an injury or accident, or if you have trouble breathing or pain when you take a deep breath.

Get medical help right away if you feel pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or if pain spreads to your shoulder or arm. These can be signs of a heart attack.

Causes

Broken ribs are most often caused by a direct hit to the chest. This can happen during a car accident, a fall or contact sports. Broken ribs may be a sign of child abuse. Ribs also can break from repeated stress, such as during sports like golf or rowing. In rare cases, severe coughing over a long time can cause a rib to break.

Risk factors

The following can raise the risk of breaking a rib:

• Osteoporosis. This condition weakens bones, making them easier to break.
• Sports. Playing contact sports, such as football or hockey, increases the risk of rib injuries.
• Cancer in a rib. Cancer can weaken the bone and make it more likely to break.

Complications

A broken rib can harm blood vessels or internal organs. Having more than one broken rib raises this risk.

Possible complications depend on which ribs are broken:

• Injury to the aorta. A sharp edge from a broken upper rib can tear a major blood vessel, including the aorta. The aorta is the main artery and largest artery in the human body.
• Lung injury. A broken middle rib can puncture a lung and cause it to collapse.
• Injury to internal organs. Broken lower ribs can damage the spleen, liver, or kidneys.
• Injury to multiple ribs. This can cause flail chest, which can make breathing hard. This condition requires emergency medical care.

Prevention

You can lower the risk of breaking a rib by:

• Preventing sports injuries. Wear protective gear when playing contact sports.
• Reducing the risk of falls at home. Keep floors clear of clutter, clean up spills right away, use a rubber mat in the shower, keep rooms well lit, and secure rugs so they do not slip.
• Keeping bones strong. Get enough calcium and vitamin D each day. Adults typically need about 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 600 international units of vitamin D daily from food or supplements.