![]() ![]() Simple nondisplaced rib fractures are most commonly seen in ribs five through nine from blunt force to the front or back of the body. These can be painful, but are not dangerous and have a good prognosis with rest and time for healing. Stress fractures can also be seen in golfers, rowers, and baseball pitchers.Ī stress fracture is a small partial fracture in the bone. ![]() Rib stress fractures can be seen in athletes with a history of violent muscle contractions as can be seen in the sport of weightlifting. There are a number of possible injuries involving the ribs including stress fractures, nondisplaced simple fractures, displaced multiple fractures, and costochondral separation (separation between the costochondral cartilage and the rib). ![]() These muscles can also be injured during a chest injury. These muscles are responsible for elevating and then returning the ribs to their natural position during breathing. Located between each rib are small external and internal intercostal muscles. Because these two ribs remain unattached, a fracture to these ribs may result in associated damage to the kidneys, liver, or spleen. The last two ribs are known as “floating” ribs because they do not have an anterior attachment. The flexible costal cartilage allows for the rib cage to expand during inspiration. All of the ribs have a posterior attachment to the spine, but only 10 of the ribs have an anterior attachment to the sternum via costal cartilage. There are 12 pairs of ribs that circle the chest for the primary purpose of protecting the heart and lungs. ![]() However, multiple rib fractures may result in a pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency. Uncomplicated single rib fractures can be managed easily. A rib fracture or broken rib is one of the more common injuries to the chest with rib fractures as the most common thoracic injury from blunt force trauma. ![]()
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