Rib fracture, Orthopedics FAQ

Can Rib Fractures Be Detected on X-rays After Six Months?

Rib X-ray Can rib fractures still be detected on an X-ray six months later? Thank you.

Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
If there was a displaced fracture initially, it is still possible to see signs of it on X-rays even after the fracture has healed. Thank you!

Understanding Rib Protrusion After Trauma: Causes and Concerns

Protrusion..? Hello doctor, originally my ribs were parallel. After a car accident, the left rib near my stomach has protruded about 5 cm. The doctor said there were no issues on the X-ray and that I didn't need to return for a follow-up. However, since the left rib has prot...

Dr. Zhang Jiahao Reply:
Due to the angle and the obstruction of the lungs, X-rays of the ribs may not reveal very fine details. Additionally, if there is a minor rib fracture without associated pneumothorax or hemothorax, it typically heals on its own. During the healing process, periosteal or fracture ...

Understanding Rib Deformities After Trauma: Why X-rays May Not Show Damage

Rib...2..? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you with my concerns. Thank you for your help. My left and right ribs were originally parallel, but after a car accident, my left rib became protruded due to the impact. I was taken to the emergency room, where an X-ray was performed, ...

Dr. Hong Ximing Reply:
After the impact of the car accident, if you notice protrusion, it may indicate a rib fracture. However, since the fracture is located in the cartilaginous area, the X-ray may not show any issues. If there are no other symptoms, please wait for healing and have a follow-up examin...

Managing Pain and Recovery After Multiple Rib Fractures: What to Know

Four ribs are fractured? Hello, doctor! My husband is 48 years old and fractured four ribs after falling down the stairs. After being treated at the hospital, he returned home to rest for six days. Initially, he didn't experience much pain, but after sneezing two days ago, h...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello Brenda, rib fractures do not require special protective gear, but you should try to avoid large movements of the upper body or torso, such as lifting heavy objects, turning, or coughing. If these actions cannot be avoided, you can use both hands to press against your chest ...

Recovering from Rib Fractures: Tips for Pain Relief and Healing

Fractures of the left 8th and 9th ribs require careful management for recovery. Here are some general guidelines for recovery: 1. **Rest**: Allow your body time to heal by avoiding activities that may strain the ribcage. 2. **Pain Management**: Use over-the-counter Doctor: Hell...

Dr. Li Wenlin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, rib fractures generally heal gradually with conservative treatment. The acute phase (characterized by severe pain and pain with movement) lasts about two to three weeks, and it typically takes an average of three months for symptoms to complet...

Understanding Rib Fractures: Treatment Options and Safety Concerns

Rib fracture I have been coughing for a long time, which has caused some pain in the upper right part of my chest. The cough has resolved, but the chest pain has persisted for about three months (I have experienced similar issues annually, but this time it has lasted longer). I v...

Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: 1. Pain relief medications can be taken for pain management, and follow-up treatment should be done at the pulmonary medicine or thoracic surgery outpatient clinic. 2. Healing of fractures does not require the use of "Calcitonin." 3. The function of Calcitonin is...

Understanding Rib Fractures: Chest Pain and Recovery Tips

Chest pain due to rib fractures? Hello Doctor: My husband had a motorcycle accident yesterday and fractured the third rib on the left side near the spine (with a significant crack at the upper end). The X-ray did not show any other fractures. However, after returning home, we not...

Dr. Chu Baijun Reply:
Hello: Regarding rib fractures, the primary concern for physicians is the potential for lung injuries leading to pneumothorax or hemothorax, or complex rib fractures resulting in flail chest. Simple rib fractures are typically managed with conservative treatment, without the need...

Understanding Rib Fracture Healing: Timeline and Treatment Options

A fractured and displaced rib typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal completely. However, the healing time can vary depending on factors such as the individual's age, overall health, and the severity of the injury. It's important to follow up with a healthcare provi...

Dr. Shi Qiming Reply:
Hello: For multiple rib fractures, it is recommended to use adhesive tape for external fixation. If you have any issues, it is advisable to consult a thoracic surgeon for further treatment and diagnosis. Thank you!

Caring for Rib Fractures: Tips for Recovery and Dietary Recommendations

Rib fracture Hello Dr. Zhou, My mother recently had a car accident, and the doctor diagnosed her with rib fractures (two broken ribs). The doctor only mentioned that she should rest at home and to return to the hospital if she experiences fever or difficulty breathing. I would l...

Dr. Zhou Lizhi Reply:
1. Rib fractures are often associated with complications such as pneumothorax, so it is important to monitor for symptoms of respiratory distress. 2. Generally, rib fractures do not require surgical intervention; however, patients often experience pain when breathing or coughin...

Understanding Chest Injuries: Recovery Tips and Symptoms to Watch For

Chest contusion? Hello Doctor: Recently, I collided with another player while catching a baseball. The other player hit my chest from the side. I fell to the ground and was unable to get up for about five minutes. My chest has been hurting continuously since that day, so I went t...

Dr. Yang Nanping Reply:
Hello: Chest impact and bruising are inevitable. If there is a rib fracture, one must be cautious of pneumothorax and hemothorax. Generally, rib fractures take about 3 to 4 months to heal. In rare cases, there may be cardiac tamponade (i.e., bleeding from a ruptured heart), which...

Understanding Rib Fractures: Can You Be Discharged After One?

Rib Two days ago, I was involved in a motorcycle accident with an elderly man. After he arrived at the hospital, he claimed to have a broken rib and asked me to pay for his medical expenses. While we were waiting for the ambulance, he was still able to smoke (I sustained injuries...

Dr. Su Yiren Reply:
Hello Amy: A fractured rib indicates a chest injury. For safety reasons, these patients should be hospitalized for three days. I have encountered cases of pulmonary contusion (similar in principle to a concussion) that resulted in a 50% drop in blood oxygen levels, requiring intu...

Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery: Costs and Recovery Insights

Artificial knee joint Dear Dr. Yang, On January 14, my mother was involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver and was taken to Taichung Hospital's emergency department. The diagnosis included: left ulnar olecranon fracture and upper third fracture, left elbow joint ...

Dr. Yang Zhengfan Reply:
Dear Wan-Yi, your mother has sustained such severe injuries, and it is easy to imagine the force of the impact at the time of the injury. Strictly speaking, every injured area has the potential for complications. Of course, the severity of these complications is closely related t...

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