ribbreuk

Ribbreuk refers to a fracture of one or more ribs. This injury commonly occurs due to direct trauma to the chest, such as from a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident. The severity of a rib fracture can range from a hairline crack to a complete break.

Symptoms of a rib fracture typically include sharp pain at the site of the injury, which often worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Tenderness to the touch and swelling over the affected rib are also common. In some cases, a deformity of the chest wall may be visible.

Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination and confirmed with imaging tests, most commonly a chest X-ray. Other imaging modalities like CT scans may be used in more complex cases or to rule out associated injuries.

Treatment for a simple rib fracture is primarily focused on pain management and allowing the bone to heal naturally, which usually takes several weeks. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers are often recommended. Encouraging deep breaths and coughing exercises is important to prevent complications such as pneumonia. In severe cases involving multiple fractures or displacement, surgery might be considered, but this is less common.

Complications can arise, particularly with multiple rib fractures. These include pneumothorax (collapsed lung), hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), and pulmonary contusion (bruising of the lung). Therefore, prompt medical evaluation is advised for anyone suspecting a rib fracture.