What will they do for a broken rib(s)?

Question

last October i was playing college soccer and noticed after a game that i had something sticking out of my chest. i showed the trainer and she sent me 2 the doc. he had me get x-rays taken and nothing showed up so his diagnosis was that my cartilage popped off a floating rib and that it would heal its self in 6-8 weeks. well its now august and its recently started acting up again. i went to my family doctor and he said it feels like i could have more than 1 that is screwed up {its on the lower left hand side} and ordered me a CT scan and said if it is bad enough i might have to save surgery. I got the CT scan taken on Friday and my results should be in tomorrow or Tuesday.

If they tell me I have to have surgery, what will they do?

How else is there to help this heal besides surgery if that's not necessary?

Answer 1

Remove the cartilage, manipulate it back in place to let it heal properly.

Since it is a floating rib, you do not need it so they may remove it.

It will prevent it from acting up Good Luck !

They can't get to it from the outside.  They usually tape broken ribs but this is cartilage that has separated, they have to put it back in place.

So look at it as a misaligned bone that has to be put back in place.

Broken ribs that are not misaligned are taped or patient given a rib belt.

EIther way, it still hurts.  I had "bruised" ribs and they hurt like h**l for six weeks.

Answer 2

Surgical procedure for rib fracture is rarely opted unless there are number of fractures.The fracture should heal naturally within 6 weeks. Following are some of the instructions to be followed during cure:

Avoid strenuous activity. Be careful not to bump the injured rib.

Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation.

Take deep breaths several times a day to keep the lungs free of infection.

Do not wear a rib belt or binder.

You may apply heat to the injury to help relieve pain. Use a warm heating pad, whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels.

You may use over-the-counter pain-killers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.

I feel that surgery may not be necessary but if the doctor advises that you should go ahead, as it will speed up your recovery.