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.

  Source: www.wikipedia.org

  (Health24.com, November 2007)

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