Diagnosis – rib fracture or rib contusion?
The diagnosis of whether it is a rib fracture or a rib contusion is very difficult to make on the basis of the symptoms, as they are far too similar. Only in persons who do not have any pain despite trauma and obvious impairment of the bony thorax is it reasonable to assume that there is no contusion of the ribs, but a rib fracture. However, this phenomenon can only be observed in certain locations of the rib fracture. An exact differentiation as to whether a rib fracture or a rib contusion is present can only be made by an extensive physical examination and subsequent imaging measures.
Diagnostics
In order to differentiate whether chest pain is caused by a rib fracture or a rib contusion, various diagnostic measures are available. Affected persons should always consult a doctor as soon as possible. At the beginning, there is usually a doctor-patient consultation in which the possible course of the accident should be described in as much detail as possible.
The symptoms that occurred after the trauma, such as pain and/or shortness of breath, can also be helpful in further diagnostics. This is followed by an orienting physical examination of the affected rib segment. Under certain circumstances, this examination can provide a decisive indication as to whether it is merely a rib contusion or already a rib fracture.
In addition, a possible bruise may help to identify the affected rib segment. In most cases, however, the question of whether a rib fracture or just a rib contusion is present can only be answered by imaging techniques. Even when looking at a simple X-ray image, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two clinical pictures.
More precise statements can often only be made after a computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging has been performed.
- In the case of a rib fracture, fracture edges can often be palpated on the fractured rib. This means that the normal continuity of the bony rib is interrupted by a conspicuous step or protrusion.
- This would not be the case with a normal rib contusion.
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