Osteo cells of various orientations lie in the structure of bones. Some are responsible for the mechanism of musculoskeletal activity, others for the destruction and degeneration, and others for the main substance. At an early age in humans, organic elements predominate in the body. However, in the process of growing up, the ratio of substances changes their orientation, which leads to fragility, destruction of bone tissue. Although, despite the high resistance of the body to external factors, problems can arise in the younger generation. In view of this, the most relevant question for most people is the question of how much a rib fracture heals.
Features of the development of fractures
Costal injuries often end in fractures due to specific anatomy. The connection to the sternum and spine is fragile, and arcing increases the level of vulnerability. Bone structures are fused only in the first seven pairs, the rest are fastened by cartilage.
Injuries in this area occur in 15% of cases from all existing options. The occurrence of such problems increases when ossification occurs. Thus, the question of how many ribs grow together after a fracture is justified.
Such injuries are dangerous because other very important organs of the cardiac, vascular, pulmonary systems are localized next to them. In addition, at first, a person may not suspect that he has damage in this area. If you start the treatment process, then complications arise.
Damage Causes
The most important causes of fractures are considered two groups: traumatic and pathological.
The first may be called:
- blows;
- squeezing;
- collision
- fall;
- compression;
- sports injuries.
The second is pathological, occurs in the following situations:
- connective tissue disorders (arthritis);
- oncological processes;
- tumors;
- problems with bone cells and structures that cause osteoporosis;
- sternum abnormal anatomy for various reasons;
- pathological disorders at the hereditary level, which lead to bone fragility.
In any case, this problem is considered a complete or partial violation of the integrity of the bone. Some parents do not know all the nuances and subtleties of the functioning of the systems, so they ask in advance how long the rib heals after a fracture in a child. In childhood, in bone tissues, mainly organic and cartilage elements, therefore they are elastic and resilient. Thus, fractures are rare in a child, rather these lesions are similar to breaks. However, if such a problem is diagnosed, then this means that the baby was exposed to traumatic effects.
Classification and leaking fracture mechanism
In order to conduct the correct treatment, the doctor carries out a diagnosis, as a result, certain positions are identified. These data obtained during the examination will give answers to questions about whether there is an offset, the number of broken bones, and many others. In the process, it will also become known if the rib after the fracture is how much it heals. Such damage upon examination is classified as follows:
- the injury can be open or closed, that is, with or without tears on the skin;
- intensity, which indicates a complete divergence of tissue or type of crack, branches - the ends are damaged, but at the same time are fixed to each other;
- local position: one-sided or two-sided.
These injuries can be multiple, single, with displacement. Depending on this, fusion and healing occurs quickly or slowly. The rib is pressed in or fails depending on the location of the damage. A similar problem occurs in different ways and has a different severity, symptoms and so on. However, treatment often implies a certain complex nature.
Fracture Specific Features
How long a rib fracture heals depends on the degree of damage and other factors. The main manifestations of such damage are as follows:
- constant pain, aggravated by breathing, rapid movement, depression;
- swelling, bruising, redness occur around the affected area;
- the chest is deformed;
- emphysema, subcutaneous pleura, manifested due to collected air;
- coughing up blood - it happens if the lung is damaged.
Complicated Fracture Consequences
Severe forms of damage can have the following complications:
- The shock process develops with bleeding and especially in the cold.
- Lack of respiratory activity - the patient cannot breathe calmly and freely due to pain, as a result, cyanosis appears, pulse and breathing become more frequent.
- Air enters the pleura space, suffocation occurs - pneumothorax;
- Hemothorax - hemorrhage in the cavity between the pleura, as a result of a clinical drop in pressure, arrhythmia.
- Pneumonia or inflammation in the pulmonary system. This option can occur with prolonged stationary state of the patient, in the presence of infection and foci of inflammation. However, a similar outcome is manifested in rare cases.
Patients who have similar injuries often ask the doctor a question about how many ribs heal after a fracture in a person. As a rule, bones are fused according to a certain principle. Initially, connective tissues grow, then bone marrow is formed, in which various cells and elements will be present. In the process, the neoplasm will cover a completely arisen defect, the affected area will gain density, structure.
Additional symptoms of injuries
How long a rib fracture heals depends on immobilization and proper treatment. Such injuries mainly occur after strong blows, bruises and other incidents. They are characterized by symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and more. Multiple fractures are dangerous due to respiratory failure.
Healing goes through several stages, but directly depends on proper immobilization. First, you need to correctly apply a tight bandage, ensuring immobility of the bone structures of the ribs, then you need to fix them with a splint. If an incident that caused damage to a person occurred somewhere on the road, in a public institution or place, then, if possible, the patient is taken to the nearest emergency department.
Transportation of the patient to the clinic
To independently take the patient to the clinic, you must adhere to certain rules:
- the convenience of the tire, which does not cause pain, does not squeeze anything;
- quick immobilization;
- the wound is closed with an aseptic tourniquet;
- transport the patient in a semi-sitting state.
If such injuries occur, the victim asks how much the rib fracture heals. Mostly damaged areas are those that are most curved. If only one element is affected, then splicing will be fast enough with competent treatment and therapy. However, in most cases, multiple fractures occur with squeezing and with the fall of the two ends, injuring the soft tissues and causing bleeding and outpouring. The answer to the question of how many fractured ribs heals with displacement can be provided by a high-quality diagnosis and examination by a doctor.
Examination and studies of bone structures in injuries
Diagnosis of the patient is carried out by a doctor who will make a palpation (examination) of the bone structures in order to find out the degree of lesion and the local location of the injury. For specific pains, additional research methods of the following nature are prescribed:
- informative exact method - radiography, which will reveal even the most minor breaks;
- computed tomography - determines complex and dubious injuries;
- therapy with magnetic resonance or waves, prescribed for contraindications to radiography;
- ultrasound diagnostics will analyze the healing process;
- angiography, laboratory blood tests - additional research methods and options, for a clearer and more accurate result.
How many ribs heal after a fracture also depends on the time of first aid and hospitalization. In any case, the victim must be immediately immobilized with the help of tires, tows, dressings and ensure proper transportation to the clinic. Among other things, it is important to check the area of damage for open wounds. If any, then need to be treated with a disinfectant. After such actions, it is necessary to tightly apply clean paper, film and additional airtight material so that air does not penetrate the chest cell and there is no lung collapse.
How long does a rib fracture heal: symptoms and treatment
If the injury is not complicated, then recovery occurs gradually and independently, the main thing is to provide the most sparing conditions for the patient. Bone integrity comes in a month. As for the elderly and immunocompromised patients, healing is delayed for several weeks. Inpatient treatment includes:
- analgesic therapy;
- applying a bandage with additional elastic materials;
- abduction of excess air or blood (pneumothorax and hemothorax);
- elimination of respiratory failure;
- quick restoration of multiple injuries, especially in areas that do not grow together on their own.
How long a rib fracture heals may depend on proper sleep. To speed up the process of fusion and reduce pain, the patient needs to fall asleep in a reclining or sitting state. Similar conditions apply for relief.
Rehabilitation and Prevention
After the main treatment, the injured person needs a set of restorative measures. How many fractures of two ribs heal, the same amount of rehabilitation therapy is required for the patient. If the injury is simple, and the bones have healed in a few weeks, therefore, preventive measures will be minimal and simple.
If the disease is pathological, then first you need to treat the underlying problem. In the case of a simple fracture, treatment with local analgesics and painkillers will be required. In the process of hematoma and so on, it resolves independently. For complex injuries, comprehensive care and rest are necessary.
Rehabilitation activities include:
- the exclusion of physical and other stress for a couple of weeks;
- classes should be minimal, therapeutic, in the process the amplitude and strength will increase;
- mandatory breathing exercises;
- A balanced diet is important, in which proteins, vitamins, minerals will be present.
It is necessary to sleep as comfortable as possible and on a hard surface.
Duration of healing and healing of fractures
How much a rib fracture heals without displacement, with it, the plural depends on the person himself. Bone structures grow together in a short time, if help was provided quickly and efficiently, without additional or direct complications and pathologies. In addition, the recovery will be quick with the correct behavior of the victim.
It is important for the patient to observe the diet, mode and lifestyle. The doctor gives recommendations, instructions - the victim carries them out. The patient should avoid physical exertion, adhere to bed rest and doctor's settings. If a person does all this, then the fusion of the damaged area occurs soon.