Former Survivor SA contestant, Hein Vosloo, has broken two ribs after a quad bike accident. The question on everyone's lips, is whether he will be fit enough to attend the finale of Survivor. We investigate the basics of a rib injury.
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Ten facts on rib injuries
A rib fracture refers to a break or fracture in one or more of the bones making up the human rib cage.
Strangely enough, the first rib is hardly ever fractured as it is in a protected position behind the clavicle (collarbone). Yet, if it is broken, serious damage can occur to the brachial plexus of nerves and the subclavian vessels.
The middle ribs are the ones most frequently fractured.
Fractures usually occur from a direct blow or from an indirect crushing injuries. Yet they can also occur without direct trauma (such as after non-stop coughing and in various sports, eg rowing or golf) and they can also arise as a consequence of diseases such as cancer or infections (this is known as a pathological fracture).
Another type of fracture, known as fragility fractures, sometimes occur due to diseased bone structure, such as osteoporosis and metastatic deposits.
The weakest part of a rib is just anterior to its angle, but a fracture can occur anywhere.
A lower rib fracture may potentially injure the diaphragm, which could result in a diaphragmatic hernia.
Rib fractures are usually painful since the ribs have to move to allow for breathing - so even a small crack can inflame a tendon or cripple an arm.
You will know when a rib is broke by the following symptoms: Pain when breathing or when you move; a portion of the chest wall moves separately from the rest of the chest(known as flail chest); a grating sound with breathing or when you move.
Although there is not really a specific treatment for rib fractures, supportive measures can be taken:
In simple rib fractures, pain can lead to reduced movement and cough suppression; this can contribute to formation of secondary chest infection - analgesia can avoid this.
Flail chest can be life-threatening and often requires a period of assisted ventilation.
Spontaneous fractures in sports people usually require an ending of the cause – ie: a rower would have to take time off from rowing.
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