Rib #

Question 1

What is a rib fracture?

Answer 1

is a break in one of the bones of the rib cage or the thick cartilage that protects it. Usually caused by a direct blow to the chest such as in a car accident or fall. Commonly the 3rd-10th ribs laterally as no muscle protection

Question 2

Complications?

Answer 2

Pain causes a restrictive deficit
pneumothorax (collection of air in the pleual space resulting in collapse of the lung on the affected side)
haemothorax (accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity)
Surgical emphysema ( When air becomes trapped under the skin usually below the epidermis)

Question 3

physio post op treatment?

Answer 3

pain mediciation
cough belt or towel for support and comfort
Once pain is well controlled or low regular incentive spirometry is encouraged to increase lung volumes
If gas exchange is impaired used of CPAP or BiPAP for pneumatic stabilisation