injuries poisoning
Rib Fracture
Key Points
Morbidity results from underlying lung, splenic, or vascular injury or development of pneumonia due to splinting, rather than rib fractures themselves. X-ray identification of all rib fractures is usually unnecessary. Pain can be severe and last for weeks, usually requiring opioid analgesics. Strapping or taping should usually be avoided because it constricts respiration and may predispose to atelectasis and pneumonia. 