Rib fracture (synonym: rib fracture; ICD-10 S22.3-: rib fracture) is a fracture (bone fracture) of the ribs.Rib fractures usually occur due to direct force (“blunt trauma”).Usually, the ribs four to nine are affected.
One the ICD-10 can distinguish the following forms of rib fracture:
- Simple rib fracture (ICD-10 S22.3).
- Serial rib fracture (S22.4) – when at least three ribs are broken, it is called a serial rib fracture
Furthermore, the following classification is possible:
- Closed rib fracture – the soft tissue covering is intact.
- Open rib fracture – the covering soft tissues are penetrated by the fractured rib
Gender ratio: men and women are equally affected.The prevalence (disease frequency) is up to 40%, with the prevalence for isolated rib fractures is circa 13% and that for multiple injuries is over 80% (in Germany).Course and prognosis: rib fractures usually heal without complications. However, the healing process takes several days to weeks. If a serial rib fracture is present, respiratory mechanics may be impaired.