Rib Fractures

What is the Thoracic Cage?

To understand rib fractures and other chest injuries, it’s important to first understand the thoracic cage.

The thoracic cage is a skeletal structure composed of:

• 12 pairs of ribs
• Thoracic spine (12 vertebrae)
• Sternum (breastbone)

The thoracic cage forms a cavity that houses vital organs, providing protection via the rib structure. The ribs are connected by multiple layers of muscles, which assist in breathing and are also attached to the spine for additional stability. A neurovascular bundle runs along the lower edge of each rib.

Chest trauma is often associated with head and spinal injuries. Injuries affecting multiple body areas are referred to as polytrauma, with motor vehicle accidents being the most common cause of polytrauma worldwide.

Rib fractures or contusions can be extremely painful and take time to heal, but in most cases, they recover naturally.

Symptoms of Rib Fractures or Chest Contusions

Rib fractures or bruising typically result from:

• Falls
• Blunt force to the chest
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Contact sports injuries

In some cases, rib fractures may also occur due to severe coughing or spontaneously (pathological fractures), particularly in individuals with cancer (bone metastases) or osteoporosis.

Common symptoms:

• A feeling or audible crack/pop from the ribs during injury
• Severe chest pain, worsened by breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the affected rib(s)

How Are Rib Fractures Diagnosed?

A general practitioner, emergency physician, trauma specialist, or other doctor may request a chest X-ray and/or a CT scan. The choice of imaging depends on the injury mechanism, symptoms, and underlying conditions.

Rib fractures are usually identified through chest X-rays, where the fracture type is typically clearly visible.

However, sharp edges of fractured ribs can puncture the lungs, causing air leakage into the chest cavity—a potentially life-threatening condition known as pneumothorax. CT scans are more sensitive in detecting rib fractures and pneumothorax (air escaping from the lungs into the chest cavity). CT imaging is also valuable for diagnosing lung injuries (lung contusions).

The term "rib contusion," "chest contusion," or "thoracic contusion" refers to cases without bone fractures. Pain from a rib bruise stems from soft tissue and muscle strain in the chest wall rather than direct bone damage.

Since symptoms alone are not always definitive, diagnostic imaging (X-rays or CT scans) is essential to rule out serious injuries, organ damage (lungs), rib fractures, or multiple rib fractures (multiple rib injuries).

Treatment for Simple Rib Fractures (Without Displacement) or Rib Contusions

Bruised ribs heal similar to fractured ribs, but require less healing time. While less severe, rib contusions can still be extremely painful.

Most patients with simple rib fractures or contusions can recover at home. Simple non-displaced fractures usually heal within 3 to 6 weeks, with pain peaking in the first two weeks.

Pain Management

Pain relief is crucial, especially in the initial weeks. Options include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Paracetamol, Tylenol), ibuprofen (Ibumetin, Ibustar, Nurofen), or naproxen (Nalgedol).
• Stronger prescription painkillers, such as opioid analgesics, may be used in more severe cases.

Adequate pain control is essential because poor pain management can prevent deep breathing, increasing the risk of pneumonia (lung infection).

Rib Immobilization Splint (CHRISOFIX)

The Chrisofix Rib Immobilization Splint is an effective, user-friendly device for treating rib contusions and non-displaced rib fractures.

• Reduces pain rapidly
• Improves breathing ability
• Minimizes abnormal chest movements linked to pain
• Lowers risk of complications

Rigid chest compression braces are no longer recommended for rib fractures or contusions, as full immobilization of the chest restricts breathing, increasing the risk of pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions.

The Chrisofix Rib Splint is an innovative patented solution, reducing movement only in the injured rib area while allowing normal chest mobility elsewhere. Less pain allows patients to breathe deeply, maintain adequate lung ventilation, and reduce medication dependence, speeding recovery and minimizing hospitalization needs.

For detailed product information, refer to the user manual.

Cold Therapy

Regular cold compress applications in the first few days can reduce swelling.

Breathing Exercises

Encouraging deep breathing and controlled breathing techniques helps prevent lung complications.

Special Cases & Polytrauma Patients

In complex cases or polytrauma patients, treatment may vary. These individuals often require hospitalization under the supervision of trauma specialists and thoracic surgeons.