How to identify the symptoms of a broken rib in time and start treatment

Fractures in the ribs constitute a significant part of all chest injuries.

Their danger is that in many cases, such fractures are accompanied by damage to the internal organs of the , which can lead to death.

This is why it is important to consider the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of such injuries.

ribs Anatomy and functions of

Twelve pairs of ribs form a thorax, which is designed to protect the internal organs of a person from damage. The thorax protects such vital organs as, for example, the heart and lungs.

Behind all the ribs are connected to the spine. In front, the top ten pairs of ribs are connected by flexible cartilages, which ensures the mobility of the articulation. The seven upper rib pairs form the sternum. From the eighth to the tenth pair, the ribs are connected by cartilaginous tissue, the eleventh and twelfth pairs of ribs do not articulate.

Ribs cover muscle tissue with vessels and nerves. From the inside, the chest is covered with a fascia. Then there are two layers of the pleura, covered with a liquid, allowing them to glide when breathing. Behind the pleura sheets are the lungs.

Causes of damage to the ribs

Among the causes of fracture in the ribs, , the doctors distinguish:

1. Direct injury mechanism. In this case, the trauma is the result of direct mechanical action on the chest( for example, impact).Thus, the fracture occurs in the place of mechanical action.
2. Indirect injury mechanism. In this case, usually, there is a squeezing of the chest. Then the fracture occurs at the point of maximum stress of the rib.

Symptomatic of injury

Among the main, physicians distinguish following symptoms:

• Severe pain in the chest. Pain causes deep breathing, coughing and sudden movements.
• Superficial breathing. Because deep breathing causes pain, the victim tries to make superficial breaths that do not cause such an acute pain syndrome.
• Hemodulation. If a splinter of the rib damages the lung, the victim may have blood.
• Reduces pain in sitting position. The victim seeks to sit down, because only in this position feels a decrease in pain.
• Non-uniform expansion of a thorax. When the patient has a broken rib, the thorax does not expand evenly when breathing, the damaged side lags behind.
• Rapid pulse of .If several ribs are injured at the same time, the patient's well-being deteriorates quickly. Since the victim can not fully breathe, the pulse is increasing.
• Skin blurred. Difficulty breathing provokes less blood flow, which is manifested in the pallor of the patient.
• Bruising and swelling. In the place of fracture, bruises and swelling of soft tissues damaged by impact can be observed.
• Hemotorax and pneumothorax. Hemotorax manifests itself as internal bleeding and blood accumulation in the region of the pleura. Pneumothorax is characterized by an accumulation of air between the injured lung and pleura.
• Increased body temperature. After a certain time after receiving an injury, the patient may experience a temperature increase.

On the X-ray, the rib fracture is indicated by the black arrow

Classification of fractures

By complexity

• Single-sided. The rib or ribs break from one side. Such a fracture is easier to treat and is characterized by a more mild symptomatology, as the patient can breathe easily from the intact side.
• Double sided. Such fractures occur when the squeezing is severe. They differ in increasing painful sensations during breathing and body movement.
• The final fracture. In this case, there will be a double fracture on one side. It is characterized by the instability of the chest. Cases of trauma of internal organs are frequent.

Localization

• Front and rear. Such fractures often result from lateral compression or impact. With a fracture in the front of the chest, the patient is more sensitive to pain with breathing and coughing than with a trauma to the back of the
• Lateral. Side fracture most often occurs with anteroposterior compression in place of the greatest stress of the bone. Such fractures are considered less dangerous, as they are less likely to involve damage to the internal organs.

By the presence of complications

• Isolated. In this case, the doctor is dealing with an isolated fracture or fractures. Such a trauma rarely has complications, since it is not related to the need for additional therapy.
• With internal injuries. In some cases, a fracture of the costal bones is accompanied by damage to the soft tissues and internal organs. This is very dangerous, because behind the chest are the vital organs: the heart, lungs and liver. Serious damage to them can result in the death of the victim.

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Diagnostic Methods

So, what are the symptoms that the specialist draws when breaking the ribs. Upon examination, the physician draws attention to the lag of the sternum portion during respiration from the injured side.

Also the site of fracture is marked by edema or bruise .In case of a fracture, the so-called "interrupted breath" of the will be observed, when, when trying to breathe in full breast, the patient is forced to interrupt the breath due to severe pain.

This symptom is not observed with other injuries of the ribs. For fractures in the ribs, the symptom of the radiation of the is often observed: when the chest is squeezed, the pain does not appear in the place of compression, but in the area of ​​bone damage. Not infrequently during an inspiration the patient feels a click. In addition, the signs of fracture of the ribs indicate the presence of a small step in the place of damage to the rib.

In order to avoid complications, the doctor, as a rule, examines the abdominal cavity for damage to the internal organs and internal bleeding. also performs auscultation of ( listening) of the heart and lungs, measures pulse and pressure.

The X-ray examination of is mandatory in the diagnosis of this type of injury.

However, it does not always help to establish a correct diagnosis. The density of the internal organs or inaccessibility of the fracture line for the ray may complicate the diagnosis.

To obtain an exhaustive picture of the patient's condition, general blood and urine tests are usually taken.

Treatment procedures that are prescribed for

injuries. First aid for

fracture. First of all, it is necessary to help the injured to accept the convenient position of the body .Further, apply on the chest with a bandage with circular bandage .

In the absence of bandages, the bandage can be made from any fabric or clothing. If the patient can move independently, take him to the nearest trauma center.

Do not feed or water a patient until examined by a doctor.

Clinical treatment

1. Hospitalization. Home treatment under the supervision of a doctor is allowed with a fracture of not more than two ribs. In all other cases hospitalization of the patient is provided.
2. First aid. After the administration of anesthetic, a dense bandage is placed on the chest. In the case of the elderly, bandaging can be discarded in order to avoid pneumonia.
3. Medication. Produced alcohol-procaine blockade, which allows you to relieve pain when breathing. Usually, treatment is continued with metamizol sodium, expectorant drugs, mustard plasters. On the third day after injury, UHF is prescribed. Further, they practice the treatment with calcium chloride electrophoresis, as well as procaine on the injured area. Also recommend therapeutic gymnastics.

Folk methods

• Mumiye. Half a gram of mummy is mixed with rose oil and rubbed into the damaged area. This procedure promotes early splicing.
• Geranium compresses. On a tablespoon of grass take two hundred milliliters of boiling water and insist. The obtained infusion in the form of a compress is applied to the damaged area.
• Crude potatoes. Crushed raw potatoes are applied to a sore spot, which temporarily relieves pain.
• Eggshell. The dried shell is ground and consumed one tablespoon at the time of each meal. Contained in the shell calcium contributes to the early splicing of bones.
• Incense. In equal proportions, incense, grass and flour are taken. All this is carefully mixed and applied to the site of the fracture. Promotes healing and fusion of ribs.

Treatment of folk remedies for fracture of the rib should be perceived as an auxiliary technique.

Complications of

In some cases, fracture of ribs is complicated by internal bleeding of , soft tissue ruptures or internal injuries.

All this should be taken into account in the treatment of fracture of the rib. Injuries of the lower pairs of ribs, are fraught with rupture of the spleen, injuries to the kidneys and liver.

That's why when taking such a patient, the doctor measures the pulse, pressure, conducts blood and urine tests, as well as percussion and auscultation of the chest and abdominal cavity.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation, following a fracture, begins only after complete removal of pain. As rehabilitating, various breathing exercises are used, designed to restore a normal rhythm of breathing, which should also help restore the useful volume of the lungs.

Also rehabilitologists advise curative gymnastics , as a means of restoring lost muscle tone.

Prophylaxis recommendations

To avoid fractures in the ribs, the following recommendations of should be adhered to :

1. Use foods containing calcium;
2. Abstain from bad habits;
3. - Strengthen the muscles of the chest;
4. When performing contact sports exercises, use protective equipment.

Fractures and injuries of the chest are often associated with a threat to the life of the patient. That is why we should pay special attention to the process of treatment and subsequent rehabilitation after such traumas.

Video: First aid for fracture of ribs