Rib fracture
What is it?
A broken rib is a common injury that occurs when one of the bones in your rib cage breaks or cracks. The most common cause is chest trauma, such as from a fall, motor vehicle accident or impact during contact sports.
Signs & symptoms
The pain associated with a broken rib usually occurs or worsens when you:
* Take a deep breath
* Press on the injured area
* Bend or twist your body
Diagnosis
During the physical exam, your doctor will press gently on your ribs. He or she might also listen to your lungs and watch your rib cage move as you breathe.
Your doctor likely will order one or more of the following imaging tests:
* X-ray
* CT scan
* MRI
* Bone scan
Treatment
Most broken ribs heal on their own within six weeks. Restricting activities and icing the area regularly can help with healing and pain relief.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
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