Clinical features

A rib fracture presents with a history of a direct blow or fall on the chest.

There is pain on respiration or coughing. Localised tenderness is present over the fracture sites.

The fractures are usually present on x-ray.

Complications include: (1)

• Pneumothorax (in 14% to 37% of rib fractures)
• Haemopneumothorax (20% to 27% of rib fractures)
• Pulmonary contusions (17% of rib fractures)
• Pneumonia (around 33% of patients aged over 65 years with rib fractures)
• Flail chest (around 6% of rib fractures)

Reference

1. Sirmali M, Türüt H, Topçu S, et al. A comprehensive analysis of traumatic rib fractures: morbidity, mortality and management. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2003 Jul;24(1):133-8.