Medical history (history of illness) is an important component in the diagnosis of rib fracture (rib fracture). Family history Social history Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you have any pain? Where is the pain localized? Did you have a fall? What was the mechanism of the accident? Are you experiencing … Rib Fracture: Medical History
Injuries, poisonings, and other sequelae of external causes (S00-T98). Rib contusion (rib contusion).
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by a rib fracture (rib fracture): Respiratory system (J00-J99) Respiratory insufficiency (inadequate respiratory mechanics leading to impaired pulmonary gas exchange). Hematothorax – accumulation of blood in the pleural space. Unstable thorax (chest) Pneumonia (pneumonia) Pneumothorax (gas chest) Injuries, poisonings, and other … Rib Fracture: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes [hematoma or ecchymosis/small patchy hemorrhage at site of force, if applicable]. Body or joint posture (upright, bent, relieving … Rib Fracture: Examination
Laboratory diagnosis – taking into account age and concomitant diseases – is required if surgical action is to be taken.
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Conventional radiograph of the thorax (chest; radiographic thorax) in two planes [rib fractures; pleural effusion?, pneumothorax (entry of air into pleural space)?] Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Computed tomography of … Rib Fracture: Diagnostic Tests
1st order, depending on the exact shape of the fracture. Osteosynthesis – connection of bone ends by insertion of force carriers (plates, splints). Surgery is indicated for the following conditions: Severe thoracic trauma with rib series fracture and soft tissue involvement. Unstable thorax
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate a rib fracture (rib fracture): Breath-dependent pain in the area of the fractured rib. Respiratory insufficiency in unstable thorax (chest), pulmonary contusion (lung contusion). Notice. In children, the incidence of associated head, chest, abdominal, and solid organ injuries is considerably higher than in adults with rib fractures.
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Rib fracture often results from direct force (“blunt trauma”), or possibly from inadequate trauma (e.g., osteoporosis, bone metastases). Etiology (causes) Biographic causes Age – increasing age (due todecrease in elasticity of ribs). Disease-related causes. Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Osteoporosis (bone loss) Neoplasms – tumor diseases (C00-D48) Bone metastases – … Rib Fracture: Causes
General measures An isolated rib fracture is usually treated conservatively, i.e., the fracture ends fix themselves adequately by being embedded in the intercostal muscles and ligaments of the thorax (chest). The following points should be considered in the conservative treatment of rib series fracture: Under stationary conditions With good analgesia (pain therapy) And respiratory therapy
