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Q: 

What's the current treatment for broken ribs?

By Anonymous September 11, 2018 - 4:02pm
 
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HERWriter Guide

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing!

A rib fracture is a break in a rib bone. Bruised muscles and ligaments often happen with a rib fracture. More seriously, the lungs and other organs can be injured. More than one rib fracture after a trauma can indicate serious internal injury.

Treatment includes:

Rest
Rest and do not do physical activity until the pain has gone away.

Protection
Your doctor may suggest wearing a chest binder around your ribs to protect them. The binder will also help you breathe properly. It is very important to take some good breaths so that the lungs remain clear. Pneumonia can develop after rib fractures if you are not breathing deeply enough. If you play contact sports, you may need to wear a rib cage protector for 6-8 weeks when you return to playing.

Medication
Your doctor may recommend that you take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Aspirin

Physical Therapy
As your ribs heal, a physical therapist can teach you breathing exercises. She can also help you maintain range of motion in arm and shoulder joints.

Intercostal Nerve Blocks
Special injections with local anesthetic can temporarily relieve pain.

Epidural Anesthesia
Sometimes a temporary epidural catheter is used to place anesthetic near the spinal cord and nerves. This can help severe cases. This is usually done for hospitalized patients.

Hospitalization
Hospitalization is usually only needed if there are complications such as damage to chest organs in the chest.

I hope this helps-
Susan

September 11, 2018 - 4:05pm
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