Introduction
The rib cage is present in the upper body, protects all the internal organs located below the rib cage, such as the heart and lungs, and helps to breathe. Bruises, fractured bones, and torn ligaments and cartilage are all forms of rib injuries. Rib injuries are fatal and life-threatening as they can cause injury to the lung or blood vessels. Car accidents and trauma result in rib injuries. Treatments are available for relieving pain during the process of healing.
What Is a Rib Cage?
Twenty-four bones (12 pairs) are present in the rib cage. Every rib is attached to the spine at the back, and seven pairs of ribs are attached to the sternum in the front part of the body. The sternum is also known as the breast bone. Costal cartilages help in the attachment of ribs to the sternum. The seven pairs of ribs attached to the sternum are known as true ribs. The next three ribs are known as false ribs. Three pairs of false ribs are attached to the last pair of true ribs. And the last two pairs of ribs are known as floating ribs, as they are not attached to any of the rib or sternum. Intercostal muscles (present between the ribs) and some ligaments support the rib cage and help expand and contract while breathing.
What Are the Different Rib Cartilage Injuries?
Different kinds of rib cartilage injuries are listed below -
1. Soft Tissue Injuries of the Rib Cage - Intercostal muscles and the costal cartilage are commonly affected. Common injuries are listed below -
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Bruises - These are the most common finding in the case of a rib injury. Ruptured blood vessels cause blood accumulation and appear as blue or black marks over the chest.
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The Intercostal Muscles Strain - These muscles expand and contract the rib cage while breathing. Sudden twisting movement, excessive exercise, or sports can cause strain in these muscles. These strains are painful, and the affected person feels discomfort.
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Rib Separation - This is also known as costochondral separation. Torn ribs lose their attachment to the sternum.
2. Fracture of Ribs - Ribs are designed to withstand the forces and resist fractures. But they can get fractured in case of massive injury to the ribs. The outer surface (curvature of ribs) of the ribs is the weakest point to get fractured. Chances of rib fracture are higher in older people and lesser in children
3. Flail Chest - This is the most serious and common rib injury. It includes fractures of more than three ribs, each broken in more than two places. Paradoxical movement is the sign seen in the case of a flail chest. Paradoxical movement means reverse movement of the rib cage while breathing, which means contraction of the rib cage on inhalation and expansion of the rib cage on exhalation. Direct, forceful injury results in a flail chest. Paradoxical movement of the ribs changes the air pressure within the lungs and results in complications. Intubation of a windpipe and providing oxygen help in the maintenance of air pressure.
What Causes Rib Cartilage Injuries?
Rib injuries are caused due to direct injury to the ribs. Blunt injuries to the ribs are caused due to the following reasons -
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Accidents - Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of rib fractures. During accidents, drivers suffer rib fractures because of direct injury to the chest with the steering wheel.
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Injury With Heavy load - If any kind of heavy object like a big stone or motor vehicle crushed the ribs.
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Sports Injuries - Contact sports can cause rib injuries. A direct ball or golf stick hit can result in rib fractures. Sports like kabaddi and wrestling can also cause fractures of the ribs.
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Falling - Falling directly on the ribs from some height results in rib fractures. Older people have more chances of falling and breaking their ribs.
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Fight - Direct, forceful punch on the ribs or assault with the bat or hockey stick can cause rib fracture.
What Are the Symptoms of Rib Cartilage Injuries?
Depending upon the severity and injury, symptoms of rib injuries are listed below -
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Pain in the affected area.
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Pain while breathing.
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Frictional sound on touching the fractured ribs.
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Deformity of the ribcage.
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Difficulty in breathing.
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Discomfort while coughing and sneezing.
How to Diagnose Rib Cartilage Injuries?
Diagnosis of rib cartilage injuries can be made by following tests -
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The doctor will ask for medical history to rule out diseases and a history of injury.
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Physical examination of the chest helps in the diagnosis. In the case of rib fracture, deformity in the bone will be visible.
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Digital imaging, such as X-rays, is helpful for the visualization of fractured ribs.
What Treatments Are Available for Rib Cartilage Injuries?
Rib fractures can not be treated like other fractures. The main motive of treatment is to provide relief from pain during injury healing. Rib fractures take up to one and a half months, and torn and detached ribs require three months to heal completely. Treatment of rib injuries includes -
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Plenty of Rest - No vigorous exercises and sports are allowed.
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Medicine - Painkillers should be prescribed for pain relief.
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Ice - Ice application helps in reducing pain and inflammation.
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Flail Chest - In case of a flail chest or severe rib injury, intubation for mechanical breathing will be helpful.
What Are the Complications of Rib Cartilage Injuries?
Rips protect the vital organ (heart, lungs) located below the ribs. Injury to the rib cartilage can affect these organs and result in life-threatening conditions. Some complications are listed below -
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Pneumothorax is caused in the case of a fractured rib. If a broken rib punctures the lung, it causes severe breathing difficulties, blood spitting, and pain.
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Rib injuries ended in tearing up the coronary artery and the aorta.
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Sometimes, fractured ribs rupture the spleen.
Conclusion
Rib injuries are not very common yet very serious. Rib fractures are seen in cases of accidents, sports injuries, and fights. Ribs provide protection to the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Any serious injury to the ribs can affect these vital organs and turn into life-threatening conditions. An affected person can feel pain and discomfort while moving in case of severe injury, and breathing difficulty occurs. Rib injuries take almost three months to fully recover.
