Injury ribs are soft tissue traumalocated in the chest area. The damage is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, but does not pose a threat to life, therefore it can be treated conservatively at home. The injury occurs due to a fall from a height, impact or compression of the chest.
Record content:
- 1 Views
- 2 Stages and degrees
- 3 Symptoms
- 4 Reasons for the appearance
- 5 Diagnostics
- 6 When to see a doctor
- 7 Prophylaxis
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8 Treatment methods
- 8.1 Daily regime
- 8.2 Medications
- 8.3 Traditional methods
- 8.4 Other methods
- 9 Possible complications
- 10 Rib bruised video
Views
Rib contusion can be simple or complicated by internal injuries. A simple bruise may be accompanied by hematomas, due to rupture of many vessels in the affected area. Such trauma indicates superficial damage without affecting the bone tissue.
Complicated bruising can also be accompanied by the formation of bruising and swelling, but concomitant symptoms develop, requiring immediate hospitalization.
Often, bruised ribs are complicated by:
| The nature of the damage | Signs |
| Concussion of the lung |
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| Lung contusion |
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Stages and degrees
Rib contusion (home treatment is permissible after consulting a traumatologist), depending on the severity of the injury and the severity of the symptoms, has 3 degrees of manifestation:
- I degree. The presence of unexpressed pain sensations that increase with palpation. The presence of a hematoma is possible. The consequences of a bruise disappear on their own within 10-14 days. No specific treatment is required.
- II degree. The pain is pronounced and intensifies with movement and bending. In the area of damage, a hematoma forms, soft tissues swell. Additional consultation is required to differentiate the diagnosis.
- III degree. The trauma is characterized by a combined clinical picture. Rib damage is accompanied by pain in combination with shortness of breath, shortness of breath and deterioration in general health.
Symptoms
The clinical picture after a bruised rib depends on the severity of the injuries received. The victim experiences severe pain in the chest area, which is worse when trying to inhale deeply. Any movement also causes pain and discomfort.
Other bruising symptoms include:
- the occurrence of foci of hemorrhages of various shapes in the area of damage;
- the presence of hematomas (observed with sliding injuries);
- inability to take a deep breath;
- swelling of soft tissues (manifests itself 24-48 hours after injury).
With a strong blow, a bruised rib may be accompanied by other injuries, the appearance of which is due to a strong blow.
Such damage is associated with the functioning of the lungs:
| Pneumothorax | The accumulation of air in the pleural cavity of the lungs. The phenomenon occurs after a bruise against the background of already existing lung pathologies. | Symptoms:
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| Hemothorax | Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity of the lung. |
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Reasons for the appearance
The contusion of the ribs is associated with a mechanical effect on the soft tissues of the chest region, which occurs with a strong impact.
The main reasons provoking a bruised rib include:
- work injuries due to non-compliance with safety rules;
- sports injuries;
- injuries due to a road traffic accident;
- hit in the rib during a scuffle resulting from a conflict situation;
- squeezing the ribs with a heavy load during collapses, falls of heavy objects.
Diagnostics
A bruised rib (home treatment is possible in the absence of other injuries) is similar to a fracture, so it is important to conduct a thorough diagnosis to differentiate the diagnosis.
Primary differential diagnosis is carried out taking into account the general condition of the patient. During visual inspection, it is quite difficult to assess the nature of the injury, since any touch in the area of damage provokes severe pain.
The traumatologist can assume that the result of the injury was a bruise, not a fracture, using several methods:
- Pressure on the rib in an area distant from the site of injury. The absence of pain in this case will indicate the absence of a fracture.
- Pressure on the chest with the hands. In the absence of pain, the risk of fracture can be excluded.
To exclude other damage, instrumental diagnostic methods are used:
- Chest X-ray. X-ray examination is intended to assess the condition of the bone structures of the chest and identify pathological processes. Ribs X-ray is carried out in one or two projections. Plain X-ray in two projections - straight anterior and lateral, allows you to examine the condition of the tissues, determine their integrity, the presence or absence of cracks and fractures. Cost - from 1200 rubles.
- CT of the lungs. Research is carried out when lung damage is suspected. CT can detect areas of lung collapse, foci of hemorrhage, and areas of accumulation of air or blood in hemothorax or pneumothorax. Price - from 4500 rubles.
When to see a doctor
The need to contact a medical institution is determined by the condition of the victim. Consultation with a traumatologist is not required if the bruised ribs are accompanied by minor pain, the integrity of the tissues is not compromised, and breathing is not difficult.
In this case, the patient must be offered an anesthetic and ensure complete rest, as well as apply cold to the area of soft tissue damage in order to avoid the formation of a hematoma.
It is necessary to consult a specialist when injuries in the area of the ribs accompanied by deformation of bone tissue or the presence of other symptoms:
- a sharp increase in pain when trying to take a deep breath, as well as when moving, turning and bending;
- bulging of bone fragments under the skin;
- increased breathing and heart rate;
- worsening cough;
- the presence of pronounced subcutaneous bruising;
- severe swelling in the area of impact.
If bruised ribs are accompanied by impaired lung function or damage to other organs, consultation with a pulmonologist or surgeon is required.
Prophylaxis
There are no specific prophylactic methods that will avoid damage to the bone tissue in the chest area.
However, if you follow simple safety rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury:
- observance of traffic rules in order to avoid road accidents;
- engaging in moderate physical activity;
- observance of safety measures at work;
- availability of insurance when carrying out construction work at high altitude;
- avoidance of conflict situations.
Treatment methods
A rib contusion that is not complicated by other injuries can be treated at home. Therapies include medication, physical therapy, daily adherence, and exercise therapy.
Daily regime
The victim is advised to minimize any physical activity and remain at rest until complete recovery. In order to relieve pressure on the chest and reduce the likelihood of increased pain, you need to sleep half-sitting, leaning against a large pillow or the head of the bed.
Do not bandage the sternum for a long time, as the chest is limited in movement. This can lead to the development of additional complications - post-traumatic bronchitis or pneumonia.
3-4 days after the appearance of a bruise, you can practice therapeutic exercises and massage, which will help increase blood circulation in the affected area and speed up the process of resorption of the hematoma. In order to avoid complications, it is necessary to take seriously the recovery process at home.
During the rehabilitation period, it is prohibited:
- overheat the injured area;
- wear tight corsets for more than 5 days;
- take strong drugs unnecessarily;
- wear tight clothing that fits snugly around the body;
- drink alcohol
- abuse smoking.
Medications
Treatment of a bruised rib is aimed at eliminating symptoms and alleviating the condition of the victim.
For this purpose, the following groups of drugs are used:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) of local and systemic action;
- puffiness relievers;
- expectorants with bronchodilator effect.
NSAIDs can reduce pain and inflammation. This group of drugs includes funds in the form of tablets, as well as gels and ointments that act directly on the lesion.
Systemic NSAIDs include:
- Took - a combined antispasmodic and analgesic agent. The tablets are taken orally without chewing, and washed down with a large volume of water. Adults are prescribed 1-2 tables. 3 times a day. The average cost is 60 rubles.
- Dexalgin - a drug that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The analgesic effect is achieved 30 minutes after taking the pill and lasts for 4-6 hours. Adults are prescribed ½ tablet with a frequency of 4-6 hours. The maximum daily dose is 6 tablets. The duration of admission should not exceed 3-5 days. Cost - 270 rubles.
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Ketanov - a drug intended for short-term relief of pain syndrome. The agent is taken orally at 10 mg every 4-6 hours. If necessary, a single dosage can be increased to 20 mg. Cost - 55 rubles.
Ketanov tablets
Local NSAIDs are available in the form of ointments or gels.
These include:
- Fastum gel - means for external use, a derivative of propionic acid. To alleviate the condition, a strip of gel 7-10 cm long is applied to the affected area and rubbed lightly. The action is repeated 2 times a day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 10 days. Price - 220 rubles.
- Amelotex - NVPS belonging to the oxicam class. Refuses local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The drug is used externally 2 times a day, applying a thin layer on the cleansed skin of the affected area and rubbing lightly. The average price in pharmacies is 260 rubles.
Anti-puffiness drugs are presented in the form of ointments and gels. Acting directly on the affected area, external decongestants stimulate blood circulation and have a regenerating effect on damaged tissues.
- Indovazin - a combined drug in the form of a gel, which has a local decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect. The gel is applied in a thin strip 3-5 cm long and lightly rubbed into the skin of the affected area. The frequency of use per day is 3-4 times. The duration of treatment should not exceed 10 days. Cost - 283 rubles.
- Lyoton - a gel with anti-exudative and anti-inflammatory effects. The drug improves microcirculation and activates tissue metabolism, thereby accelerating the process of resorption of hematomas. The gel is applied to the skin 1-3 times a day for 3-7 days. Price - about 800 rubles.
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Traumeel - a multicomponent homeopathic preparation in the form of an ointment for external use. The tool is used 2-3 times a day, rubbing in the area of the affected area. You can also apply the ointment to a gauze bandage. The course of treatment with the drug is about 2 weeks. Price - about 800 rubles.
Expectorants are prescribed to remove sputum accumulated in the bronchi, which is not excreted on its own due to chest trauma:
- Bromhexine - a mucolytic agent with an expectorant effect. The drug is taken orally at 8 mg 3-4 times a day. The therapeutic effect appears 4-6 days after the start of the intake. The cost is about 40 rubles.
- Mucaltin - an expectorant herbal preparation based on the extract of marshmallow root. It has an enveloping and softening effect. The dosage regimen is individual and depends on the indications. Cost - from 10 rubles.
Traditional methods
A bruised rib (home treatment can last from 7 to 30 days, depending on the severity of the condition) with a mild degree of damage can be treated with folk remedies.
To eliminate pain and bruising, applications, compresses and lotions are used, prepared according to recipes of traditional medicine:
- Cabbage compress. Fresh cabbage leaf has a resorption and anti-edema effect. It is applied to the affected area and fixed with cling film or towels. It is recommended to withstand the compress for 2-3 hours. The procedure should be repeated 2 times a day. The course of application is 3 days.
- Honey lotion with aloe juice. The product is designed to accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues and relieve puffiness. 1 large aloe leaf must be crushed to a state of gruel and combined with 1 s. l. liquid honey, and then mix thoroughly. The mixture should be applied to the affected area and then wrapped with cling film. The duration of the procedure is 1-2 hours.
- Ointment with tar. In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp. l. birch tar, pine resin and goose fat. Place the mixture in a water bath and simmer for 15-20 minutes, and then cool. The prepared ointment should be applied to the bruised rib, covering with a cloth. It is necessary to withstand the compress for 1 hour.
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Acetic compresses. It is necessary to mix 1 tbsp. l. vinegar, vegetable oil and water, and then moisten cloth dressings or gauze with the prepared solution, and apply to the affected areas of the ribs for 20-30 minutes.
- Lotions with geraniums. You need to chop a small stalk of geranium and fill it with water. For 20 g of the crushed mass, there should be no more than 400 ml of liquid. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes and then cool. In the resulting solution, you need to moisten pieces of tissue and use them as a compress, applying it to the damaged area for 2 hours.
Other methods
To eliminate the consequences of a bruise, physiotherapy is actively used.
Among physiotherapeutic methods, there are:
- UHF - exposure of the affected areas to a strong or weak electromagnetic field. The procedure is carried out using a portable or stationary type of equipment. UHF reduces pain and swelling. During the procedure, the soft tissues are heated, as a result of which the vessels expand and blood circulation improves. The duration of the session is 15 minutes. The course of treatment consists of 10-15 daily procedures.
- Electrophoresis - a method, the action of which is aimed at the entry of drugs into the body through the intercellular spaces in the form of positive and negative particles. The procedure ensures the active accumulation of substances in the pathological focus and accelerates the healing process, relieves pain, swelling. An electrical current passes through the affected area, which is felt as a slight tingling sensation. The duration of the session is 15-20 minutes. The course of treatment consists of 10-20 procedures, which are carried out every other day.
- Magnetotherapy - a method of influencing the body of an electromagnetic field. The procedure increases cell permeability and activates metabolism, relieves pain and swelling. It is forbidden to use magnetotherapy in the acute stage of the disease, as it provokes tissue heating. Therefore, the physiotherapy is indicated to the injured 4-5 days after the injury. The course of therapy consists of 15-20 warm-ups, the duration of which does not exceed 20 minutes.
- Ultrasound - the process of transmitting hardware ultrasonic vibrations to soft tissues. The process has a number of effects: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, decongestant. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. The course of treatment consists of 15 procedures.
As a first aid and within 24-48 hours after receiving a rib injury, cold treatment is practiced. Cold compresses in the area of injury provoke vasoconstriction, which slows down blood flow.
In this regard, the manifestation of the inflammatory process in the affected area decreases, and a decrease in temperature in the area of damage has a slight cooling and analgesic effect.
In the case of long-term non-absorbable hematomas, they are opened and drained. An autopsy of a post-traumatic hematoma is indicated for its significant size and is carried out under local anesthesia. The doctor makes an incision 1-3 cm long over the central part of the hematoma, and then cleans its cavity from blood clots, rinses with an antiseptic solution and drains the wound using a thin tube.
Possible complications
A bruised rib (home treatment is possible with a mild degree of damage) can lead to the development of complications in the absence of timely diagnosis, as well as in the case when the damage could not be differentiated from fracture.
The consequences of blunt rib injury include:
- hypoxia due to lung damage;
- post-traumatic pneumonia or bronchitis;
- chronic pain syndrome;
- pneumothorax;
- hemothorax;
- development of the inflammatory process in the area of the hematoma.
Rib contusion is a fairly common injury, accompanied by damage to soft tissues without compromising the integrity of the bones. Even the smallest degree of damage requires radiography to eliminate the likelihood of a fracture. In the absence of concomitant injuries, treatment can be carried out at home.
Rib bruised video
How to distinguish a bruised rib from a fracture:
