FreeMD® Rib Fracture Definition

Rib Fracture

Definition

Rib Fracture Definition

Common names:

Broken Rib
Fractured Rib
Rib Fracture

A person with rib fracture has broken one of the ribs that surround the chest. Rib fractures are common, and usually caused by an injury to the chest. Common causes include motor vehicle accidents and falls.

Continue to Rib Fracture Incidence

Related Topics:

Chest injury
Hemothorax
Myocardial contusion
Pulmonary contusion
Sternum fracture
More...

Chest injury

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Last Updated: Sep 10, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Rib Fracture References:

Aihara R, Millham FH, Blansfield J, Hirsch EF. Emergency room thoracotomy for penetrating chest injury: effect of an institutional protocol. J Trauma. 2001 Jun;50(6):1027-30.
Ferguson M, Luchette FA. Management of blunt chest injury. Respir Care Clin N Am. 1996 Sep;2(3):449-66.
Nagy KK, Krosner SM, Roberts RR, Joseph KT, Smith RF, Barrett J. Determining which patients require evaluation for blunt cardiac injury following blunt chest trauma. World J Surg. 2001 Jan;25(1):108-11.
Sartorelli KH, Vane DW. The diagnosis and management of children with blunt injury of the chest. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2004 May;13(2):98-105.
Wanek S, Mayberry JC. Blunt thoracic trauma: flail chest, pulmonary contusion, and blast injury. Crit Care Clin. 2004 Jan;20(1):71-81.