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
- 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.
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