Rib Fracture Care
What Is a Rib Fracture and What Causes It
A fracture is a broken bone. It is caused by powerful blows or blunt injuries that may result due to accidents or intentional blows. Pathological fractures however may result from minor strains or mild injuries to the bones previously weakened by disease or extreme old age. Rib fracture then is a fracture located in the ribs of an individual.
There are two types of fractures:
A closed fracture is when a bone is partially or completely broken but the skin surface remains intact.
While and open fracture is when bone fragments extend through the skin or the wound reaches from the skin surface to the broken bone.
Symptoms of Rib Fracture
A fracture may be apparent to the victim as soon as it occurs, since he may hear the cracking or snapping of the bone. The following however are other symptoms an individual may observe when a rib fracture is present:
- Swelling in the abdominal area would be present.
- Extremely painful to touch the area.
- There is guarding position of the individual.
- Discoloration in the rib area would also be prominent.
- Inability to properly sit or stand due to the pain.
- There is also alteration of how the individual would likely walk due to the pain inflicted.
One of the most important things to consider in rib fractures is to determine the degree of fracture. There are huge chances and possibilities that the rib fracture may have ruptured other areas such as the spleen and liver. If this do so happens, the individual may require immediate help.
Home Remedies for Rib Fractures
Practically all fractures require first aid treatment. These are the following things to be done:
- Splinting the area: It would provide support to the damage area and at the same time provide pressure for any risk of bleeding during the transport to the nearest hospital.
- Not moving the affected area should be done as possible to reduce pain and to likely avoid further complications.
- Observing the signs and symptoms of abdominal bleeding’”one of which rigidity of the abdominal is the prominent sign for this condition.
Prevent Rib Fracture
When the predisposing factor is age itself, the individual would have to watch his or her action. Taking high doses of calcium and at the same time vitamin D would help strengthen the bones. Avoiding too much physical strain should also be done. When it is due to blunt injury, mostly occupational hazard, wearing a bind would probably help. As much as possible, avoid injury to the area to decrease the chances of complications and eventually life-threatening scenarios.
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I was crushed by quadricycle 6 years ago. I broke 4 ribs in the back. My sternum had a lot of pain which has continued for 3-4 years. My abdomen has been swollen for years although I eat little. My liver has developed a layer of fat (I eat almost no cholesterol) and I have a lot of liver pain. X-rays have finally shown that ribs 12 & 12 have come of the sternum and are hanging down into my intestines. They have developed calcium arrow tips . The ribs are sliding under my hip bones every time I move. The pain only stops when I lay in bed stretched out. Is surgery possible to remove these now floating ribs which are making my life unbearable.