Let's talk rib fractures!.
First, some anatomy.
We have 12 pairs of ribs that make up our rib cage. They originate on the bones of thoracic spine and attach to our sternum (10/12 do, the other 2 float, meaning they originate on the vertebrae and don't attach anywhere).
The primary role is to protect our organs (liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, spleen, stomach).
The main way to fracture your ribs is by blunt trauma (fall from a height or a motor vehicle collision) or by a direct blow.
The biggest concern is the possibility of a flail chest, which creates an unstable chest wall due to the type and amount of ribs fractures sustained and how the injury affects the integrity of the chest wall.
Other concerns can include: Damage to vital organs, bleeding and lung conditions such as pneumonia and pneumothoraces (collapsed lung(s))
How do simple rib fractures heal?
Time. No surgery performed.
How do you prevent secondary complications (as a result of lying down in bed as a result of pain), like pneumonias, blood clots, pressure sores and deconditioning?
1. Deep breathing and splinted coughing or huffing (Active Cycle Breathing Technique)
2. Mobility (Walking, exercising gently)
3. Positioning (Lying on your stomach, sitting or standing)
What shouldn't you do?
1.Tape/use tensor bandages to help alleviate pain.
2. Lie down in bed all day until symptoms resolve.
Update: When I discussed V/Q ratio (Ventilation/Perfusion), I didn't explain it clearly. V/Q ratio basically has to do with how much air is entering your respiratory tract, relative to how much litres of blood are going through your capillaries per minute (Normal is 0.8, 4L of air and 5 L of blood, 4:5). When you have something like a PE (pulmonary embolism), there is now a mismatch in the VQ ratio, where there is more air entering the lungs, but less blood entering the capillaries, thus a higher V/Q ratio, which is can lead to serious complications, such as death.
Have you fractured your ribs before and are currently recovering or have recovered? Let me know your story below and how your recovery has been!
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The content found on this channel and any affiliated websites are not considered medical advice. The information presented is for general education and entertainment purposes only. If you need medical attention, seek care from your physician or physical therapist. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Aleks Physio, its employees and independent contractors for any and all injuries, losses, or damages resulting from any claims that arise from misuse of the content presented on this channel or associated websites.
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Aleks Physio
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