Rib fracture, Orthopedics FAQ

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Understanding Rib Injuries: When to Seek Further Imaging After Trauma

Chest contusion Today, I accidentally bumped my knee against my husband's lower right rib cage and heard a popping sound. Due to the pain, I went for an X-ray, and the doctor said the bones should be fine, but mentioned that due to the curvature of the bones, they couldn...


Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, the chest contusion you have experienced shows no obvious rib fractures or pneumothorax on the X-ray. It is likely due to soft tissue inflammation. However, sometimes fractures may not be visible due to the angle of the X-ray or the location of the fracture. If your pain i...

[Read More] Understanding Rib Injuries: When to Seek Further Imaging After Trauma


Understanding Multiple Comminuted Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights

Multiple comminuted fractures Hello, doctor. 🙇🏻‍♀️ I was in a car accident on the night of February 3rd, lost consciousness at the scene, and was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment. I was in a coma for three days and sustained multiple comminuted fractures, including i...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. Rehabilitation is necessary to gradually improve joint mobility. 2. It will take approximately six months or more.

[Read More] Understanding Multiple Comminuted Fractures: Recovery and Rehabilitation Insights


Can Rib Injuries Worsen After Activity? Understanding Your Symptoms

Rib fracture after three weeks of activity following a collision? On February 8th, I was elbowed forcefully from behind by a stranger at the market, impacting the last one or two ribs on my right side. The impact was quite deep and extremely painful. However, I felt that seeking ...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
The self-healing capacity of the ribs is quite good, and the likelihood of fractures from typical impacts is low, unless there is a severe blow from a car accident or hard objects (such as iron bars, steel plates, or baseball bats). Osteoporosis in the elderly is a different cons...

[Read More] Can Rib Injuries Worsen After Activity? Understanding Your Symptoms


Chest Pain Near Armpit When Coughing: Is It a Muscle Strain or Fracture?

Coughing causes pain near the right chest, close to the armpit? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing a severe cough for the past week or two, and recently I've started feeling a sharp pain near my right chest close to the armpit every time I cough, to the point where I...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, if there is a fracture without any injury, it is very rare. Usually, the pain is caused by a muscle strain. If you are really concerned, you can get an X-ray examination. Applying a warm compress can help the strain heal faster. Thank you.

[Read More] Chest Pain Near Armpit When Coughing: Is It a Muscle Strain or Fracture?


Understanding Chest Injuries: When to Worry After a Fall

Chest contusion Hello, I participated in a company-sponsored employee outing yesterday where we played a water balloon game similar to paintball, but it was less painful. At the beginning, I quickly sought cover but forgot that the cover was an inflatable air cushion ball, which ...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello: Based on the situation you described, it is more likely to be a contusion of the chest muscles and periosteum. If severe, it could even be associated with rib fractures, but these injuries typically heal on their own over time, generally requiring 2-4 weeks. If there is no...

[Read More] Understanding Chest Injuries: When to Worry After a Fall


Flying After a Fracture: Risks and Recommendations for Recovery

Regarding flying with a fracture? Hello, Doctor. I was involved in a traffic accident on June 25, resulting in an open fracture of my left clavicle and fractures of my left ribs from the second to the seventh (concentrated in the back and side). I have undergone plate fixation su...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
The attending physician is the one who understands your condition and recovery the best. If one of their opinions differs, it is advisable for you to assess and weigh the information yourself, or to return for a follow-up consultation with the physician to discuss it further. Tha...

[Read More] Flying After a Fracture: Risks and Recommendations for Recovery


Recovery Time After Rib Fractures: How Long Should You Rest?

The recovery time and subsequent treatment for rib fractures? Right chest blunt trauma combined with fractures of the fifth to eighth ribs on the right side, hospitalized for three days. The doctor advised a two-week rest after the injury. However, based on what I've read, t...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Please follow the doctor's advice and rest. Thank you.

[Read More] Recovery Time After Rib Fractures: How Long Should You Rest?


Understanding Tightness and Hardness Around Rib Surgery Wounds

Tightness around the incision site after rib surgery? Hello Doctor: I recently had surgery for a rib fracture, and after the wound has healed, I feel tightness around the surgical area. The area around the wound feels hard, and when I stretch my arm, I experience a pulling sensat...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
The surgical site will heal and new tissue will form, which can lead to such sensations. This is a normal phenomenon, and local heat application can help improve it.

[Read More] Understanding Tightness and Hardness Around Rib Surgery Wounds


Understanding Post-Surgery Complications After Rib Fracture Repair

Postoperative issues related to rib surgery? Can I ask the doctor? I fractured three ribs on my left side due to a work injury. I had surgery on October 9, and it has been three months since then. For the past ten days, I've been experiencing a sensation of swelling and some...


Dr. Wang Jiacheng Reply:
Wound swelling can lead to this condition; with adequate rest, it should improve in about four to six weeks.

[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Complications After Rib Fracture Repair


Understanding Pain and Swelling After Left Rib Fracture Surgery

Left rib fracture? Could I ask the doctor? I fractured three ribs on my left side due to a work injury. I had surgery on October 9, and it has been three months since then. For the past ten days, I have been experiencing a feeling of swelling and sometimes pain. What could be the...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
Wound swelling can lead to this condition; resting for about four to six weeks will help improve it.

[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling After Left Rib Fracture Surgery


Understanding Rib Implant Issues: Pain and Mobility After Surgery

Rib cage support issues? Hello, doctor. I underwent titanium alloy rib stent surgery on my left chest on July 1st last year. After the surgery, I experienced severe foreign body sensation in my left chest and tenderness in my left upper back. In mid-February this year, I suddenly...


Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
Hello, the condition known as "frozen shoulder," or adhesive capsulitis, involves the adhesion of the internal tissues of the shoulder joint. In about half of the patients, the exact cause remains unclear. However, it typically arises from pain and reduced movement, and...

[Read More] Understanding Rib Implant Issues: Pain and Mobility After Surgery


Understanding Clavicle Fractures: When to Seek Further Medical Attention

Clavicle fracture I would like to ask the doctor, I had a car accident (a fall) on the morning of April 26, which resulted in a clavicle fracture. Is it normal to experience pain when coughing today? Is there a possibility of a rib fracture as well? Do I need to get a chest X-ray...


Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: It is normal to experience pain when coughing if your clavicle fracture has not yet healed. If you suspect there may be a rib fracture as well, please return for a follow-up appointment with your attending physician to determine if a chest X-ray is necessary. Changhua Hosp...

[Read More] Understanding Clavicle Fractures: When to Seek Further Medical Attention


Understanding Rib Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall

Slipped in the bathtub and injured the left rib? Situation description: Slipped and fell in the bathtub. Sought medical attention and had an X-ray. Injury: Left side, the bottom two ribs and the area below. The doctor said: 1. Go home and monitor the pain (of course it hurts...)....


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. The injured area should be treated with ice packs and accompanied by the use of pain relievers. 2. There is a possibility of splenic injury, but a CT scan is necessary for diagnosis. If symptoms such as low blood pressure or anemia occur, medical attention should be sought p...

[Read More] Understanding Rib Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall


Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Rib Fracture Surgery?

Regarding the issue of rib screw removal? In March, I was involved in a car accident and suffered a rib fracture, which required surgery to insert a plate and screws. Initially, titanium alloy was chosen for the materials. Recently, I noticed some discomfort when bending over, so...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, regarding the steel nails and plates, since they are foreign objects, I personally recommend removing them once their temporary purpose has been fulfilled. The removal should ideally take place about a year after surgery, from March until now, as the fracture site should h...

[Read More] Should You Remove Titanium Screws After Rib Fracture Surgery?


Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Rib pain issues? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my left rib area, just below the chest, extending to the sides and back. The pain started after I had a cold and cough for a week. It becomes very painful whenever I cough or sneeze. I returned to the clin...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Rib fractures typically occur due to a clear impact, unless there are conditions such as metastatic cancer or severe osteoporosis, which may cause fractures from coughing or minor bumps. Rib pain caused by coughing is mostly due to "costochondritis," which usually impro...

[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options


Can a Motorcycle Accident Cause Rib Fractures and Pneumothorax Without Direct Impact?

Regarding the car accident, the other party's medical report indicates rib fractures and pneumothorax? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question regarding an accident. In a T-bone motorcycle collision involving two motorcycles, where neither the vehicles nor the riders f...


Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello Mr. Tsai, rib fractures from a car accident are possible. Whether hospitalization and surgery are necessary depends on the condition of the fracture, the presence of pneumothorax, and whether there are any other associated injuries.

[Read More] Can a Motorcycle Accident Cause Rib Fractures and Pneumothorax Without Direct Impact?


Understanding Rib Fractures: Recovery and Post-Surgery Concerns

Rib issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. Approximately a month and a half ago, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in fractures of my left ribs 4 to 8. I was taken to the hospital for surgery, where they used the latest titanium alloy rib fixat...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
1. The ribs are located closer to the skin, and it is common to experience a tight sensation after surgery, which should gradually improve over time. 2. Numbness and soreness extending from the lower back to the thighs are generally unrelated to rib surgery. The most common cau...

[Read More] Understanding Rib Fractures: Recovery and Post-Surgery Concerns


Persistent Discomfort Under Left Rib: Possible Causes and Next Steps

There is a sensation of something pushing outward beneath the left rib cage? Hello, doctor. Around mid-July, I went to the emergency room due to swelling under my left rib cage and difficulty breathing. I underwent a chest X-ray and respiratory tests in the pulmonary department, ...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello, I am an orthopedic specialist. In the area of your symptoms, I primarily deal with patients experiencing pain from rib fractures or contusions due to trauma or impact. I can offer some minor advice regarding your non-traumatic pain, but my ability to assist is quite limite...

[Read More] Persistent Discomfort Under Left Rib: Possible Causes and Next Steps


Post-Clavicle Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Rehabilitation

Nursing Care After Clavicle Fracture Hello Doctor, my father is 55 years old. He had a motorcycle accident yesterday, and the emergency room diagnosed him with a distal left clavicle fracture, left chest and left knee contusions. The emergency department said surgery is not neces...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Some fractures with minor displacement can be treated with a triangular bandage for stabilization, allowing the bone to heal on its own over a period of 2-3 months. Removing the triangular bandage too early may lead to increased displacement, which could necessitate surgical inte...

[Read More] Post-Clavicle Fracture Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Rehabilitation


Confusion Over Rib Fractures: Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges

Rib issues Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask about my mother’s situation. She was in a car accident recently and was initially taken to the emergency room. The emergency physician reviewed the X-ray in the morning and stated that one of her ribs was fr...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious displacement of the ribs on X-ray or CT, it is indeed not very easy to assess. The key points are whether there is a pneumothorax and if it affects breathing. If there is a significant amount of pneumothorax, it needs to be drained. If the pain decre...

[Read More] Confusion Over Rib Fractures: Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges


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