The severity of complications is directly proportional to the number of affected ribs or the types of ribs which have been fractured. Depending on the quantity and which ribs are affected, underlying organs may be affected.

Complications include damage to the aorta, which could be torn or punctured, following a fracture occurring in the first three ribs. Damage in the middle ribs can cause a punctured lung and therefore development of a pneumothorax. Injury to the bottom ribs can cause solid organ injury to the spleen, kidneys, and liver.

The presentation of patients with rib fractures includes pain experienced with movement, breathing or coughing. Rib fracture has significant effects on ventilation. Dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and hypoxia are commonly seen.

Complications include a severe condition associated with rib fracture, flail chest can occur. It is secondary to multiple ribs fractured at numerous sites, in which a segment of the rib breaks off. Pulmonary contusion is another complication. In severe cases a life threatening condition, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), can develop. 

• Pain

  Nerve blocks are instrumental in treating rib fracture pain along with utilization of opioids and nonopioids thus formulating a multimodal approach to pain management. [doi.org]

  The pain/rib soreness with rib fractures can make coughing and sleeping uncomfortable and difficult. Broken Rib Treatment Most of the fractured ribs are treated with conservative non-operative care. [depuysynthes.com]

  The purpose of the rib strap is to minimize chest wall motion during a deep breath and lead to less pain. Your physician may order prescription pain medications to get your pain under control. [pointstreaksites.com]

  Management of patients with chronic pain and malunion Chronic pain from rib fractures usually occurs due to malunion and ongoing movement. [epworthgp.org.au]

  Rib fracture pain management practice is founded on the thoracic surgical and anesthesiology literature. Articles addressing rib fracture pain are relatively scarce in the pain medicine literature. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Collapse

  Because of the pain, people may breathe less deeply, increasing the risk of complications, such as collapse of parts of the lung (atelectasis) and pneumonia. [merckmanuals.com]

  Serious fractures may puncture the lung, causing it to collapse, or cause internal bleeding. [doomandbloom.net]

  These exercises help prevent a partial lung collapse and pneumonia. It is important to stay active. DO NOT rest in bed all day. [medlineplus.gov]

• Swelling

  Cervical rib fracture usually presents as a painless swelling or as thoracic outlet syndrome. We report two patients with cervical rib fractures, one of them secondary to backpack usage, and review the available literature. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  It may cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and a purplish color to the skin. There may be a sharp pain with each breath. A rib contusion takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to heal. [fairview.org]

  Considerable swelling may develop. 4-50 Figure 4-39.—Sling for immobilizing fractured clavicle. Figure 4-40.—Swathe bandage of fractured rib victim. [medical.tpub.com]

• Weakness

  Call 911 Call 911 if you have: Dizziness, weakness or fainting Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort New or worsening pain When to seek medical advice Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur: Fever of 100.4°F (38° [fairview.org]

  Many are located in an area of anatomical weakness (shallow depression for the subclavian artery). [bjsm.bmj.com]

• Hypoxemia

  Many of these patients will have pulmonary contusions, which can lead to shunting and hypoxemia despite adequate ventilation. [openanesthesia.org]

  In one study, 16% of patients 65 years and older with isolated blunt chest trauma had some delayed adverse event, defined as pneumonia, ARDS, unanticipated intubation, need to transfer patient to ICU for hypoxemia, and death from pulmonary sequelae. [ [emedicine.com]

  We noted that all of the patients were already exposed to hypoxemia at the time of diagnosis. [hindawi.com]

• Pneumonia

  Considerate proportion of elderly patients with a rib fracture is susceptible to pulmonary complications, especially pneumonia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Immobilization (eg, by strapping or taping) should usually be avoided; it constricts respiration and may predispose to atelectasis and pneumonia. [merckmanuals.com]

• Cough

  Rib fractures caused by coughing similarly represent an infrequently occurring clinical presentation. Pulmonary herniation through an intercostal defect caused by cough fractures has been described twice in the literature to our knowledge. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Pain is severe, is aggravated by movement of the trunk (including coughing or deep breathing), and lasts for several weeks. [merckmanuals.com]

  While your injury heals, pain relief is very important, as it will hurt every time you breathe in or cough. Taking shallow breaths and not coughing to avoid pain will only put you at risk of a chest infection. [web.archive.org]

  Check if you have a bruised or broken rib Broken (fractured) or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall, a blow to the chest or severe coughing. [nhs.uk]

• Chest Wall Pain

  Chest wall pain was seen in 18 of 177 patients (10.2%), of whom 14 patients developed rib fracture. No patients complained of Grade 3 or more symptoms. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Rib or chest wall pain is also by chest wall injury following direct impact or an accident damaging the ribcage. [epainassist.com]

  Nambu et al. [ 20 ] well discussed the incidence of rib fracture and chest wall pain for 177 primary lung cancer patients after SBRT. [ro-journal.biomedcentral.com]

• Respiratory Distress

  Treatment: Monitor for respiratory distress. [trauma.org]

  In its most severe form, acute lung injury can lead to a life threatening entity called adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). [aast.org]

  These retained secretions support the growth of bacteria, a situation that leads to stasis pneumonia, respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients [6]. [google.com]

  Patients with flail chest, multiple rib fractures, respiratory distress, and unstable vital signs were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). [sjtrem.biomedcentral.com]

  Distress Syndrome Penetrating chest trauma Chronic opioid dependence Fractures less than 3cm from vertebral spine Information from the National Library of Medicine To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff [clinicaltrials.gov]

• Pleural Effusion

  A chest X-ray alone cannot determine if a pleural effusion is a haemothorax or simple fluid, however in the context of significant chest trauma this is often a reasonable assumption. [radiologymasterclass.co.uk]

  Four respiratory readmissions, two deaths, seven pneumonias, seven pleural-effusions, and 19 recurrent pneumothoraces were encountered in the NO group versus 0 in the RP group (p < 0.001). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Effusion 11.Mastectmy 12.Pneumothorax 13.Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis 14.Emphysema 14.Trauma - Rib fracture 14.Trauma - Rib fracture 15.Anterior Mediastinal Mass 16.Middle Mediastinal Mass 17.Posterior Mediastinal Mass 19.Pericardial Effusion 21.Pneumomediastinum [play.google.com]

  Complications in Rib Fracture Patients Associated rib fracture injuries, including pulmonary contusions, hemothorax, pneumo-thorax, and pleural effusions, can all lead to complex pulmonary problems with increased risk of added morbidity, avoidable hospital [swedish.org]

• Chest Pain

  This typically results in chest pain that is worse with breathing in. Bruising may occur at the site of the break. When several ribs are broken in several places a flail chest results. [en.wikipedia.org]

  Potential indications for rib fracture repair include flail chest, painful, movable rib fractures refractory to conventional pain management, chest wall deformity/defect, rib fracture nonunion, and during thoracotomy for other traumatic indication. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  pain Rib fractures are often found unexpectedly in patients with chest pain as they may occur without a clear history of trauma. [radiologymasterclass.co.uk]

  Rib or chest wall pain is also by chest wall injury following direct impact or an accident damaging the ribcage. [epainassist.com]

• Cyanosis

  A pneumothorax should be suspected if an athlete exhibits any of the following signs and or symptoms: • Anxiety/restlessness • Painful breathing • Increased heart rate • Cyanosis • Distended neck veins • Severe chest pain • Decreased or absent breath [sportsmd.com]

  […] on inhalation Dyspnea Coughing spells with or without other significant trauma Tenderness on palpitation Chest wall deformity Anxiety Agitation Bruising near the fracture site Abdominal tenderness in case of lower rib fracture Respiration inadequacy Cyanosis [care24.co.in]

  (10 yrs) 0.88 - Alive 13 20 Sumanasena, 2012 [23] 10/F -/35/- Progressive respiratory difficulty, edema Yes No Yes No Hallucination Drowsiness Ganglio- neuroma No 167 Normal - - Alive 14 21 Abaci, 2013 [3] 3/M 92 > 95.8 (9 mo)/20 > 25.7 (9 mo)/24>28 Cyanosis [hindawi.com]

  The patient had central cyanosis. Blood pressure was 90/60 mm/Hg (95 percentile: 115/75 mm/Hg). Axillary body temperature measurements varied from 35.6 to 39.5 °C. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Hypertension

  […] risks of pulmonary hypertension.10 ROHHAD is a rare disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. [onlinelibrary.wiley.com]

  Register 1059 Lumbosacral Ganglioneuroma-Associated ROHHAD Syndrome and Pulmonary Hypertension - 24 Hours access EUR €27.00 GBP £20.00 USD $35.00 Rental This article is also available for rental through DeepDyve. [academic.oup.com]

  After weaning from mechanical ventilation, she experienced tachycardia and hypertension. Since seizures were suspected, MRI and electroencephalography were performed and which were normal. [pedinfect.com]

  Yes No No No No No Ganglione uroblasto ma No - - 0.62 Mechanical ventilation, brain hypothermia, steroid pulse Alive 19 28 Baronio, 2013 [27] 2/F -/-/- Severe obesity, hyperreninemic hypertension Yes GH deficiency No No No No Ganglione uroblasto ma No [hindawi.com]

  Pulmonary hypertension was detected on echocardiography and nifedipine was prescribed. Raynaud’s phenomenon in case 1 Case 2 A five year old girl with suspected epileptic seizures was referred for evaluation of obesity. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Localized Chest Pain

  […] wall trauma and localized chest pain. [radiopaedia.org]

• Fracture

  The pain/rib soreness with rib fractures can make coughing and sleeping uncomfortable and difficult. Broken Rib Treatment Most of the fractured ribs are treated with conservative non-operative care. [depuysynthes.com]

  Trauma patients with four rib fractures have a 10 per cent mortality risk which increases to 34 per cent with eight rib fractures 1. [epworthgp.org.au]

  A systematic review was performed including current indications for rib fracture fixation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  In a study of Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were followed over a mean duration of 5.2 years, 13.5% reported incident fractures, with rib fractures being the most common fractures in men and vertebral fractures being the most common fractures [emedicine.com]

• Contusion

  ARDS after pulmonary contusion: accurate measurement of contusion volume identifies high-risk patients. J Trauma 2001 ;51:223–228. Google Scholar 19 Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. ; PRISMA Group. [doi.org]

  S27.32 Contusion of lung S27.321 Contusion of lung, unilateral S27.321A Contusion of lung, unilateral, initial encoun... S27.321D Contusion of lung, unilateral, subsequent enc... [icd10data.com]

  Pulmonary contusion Rib fractures are associated with pulmonary contusions in 20-40% of cases. [emedicine.com]

  Fracture, Scapula Fracture ) Lung Contusion Cardiac Contusion High mortality risk XIV. [fpnotebook.com]

• Osteoporosis

  This study in a regional hospital setting found a low evaluation rate for osteoporosis among patients presenting with a rib fracture. Increased emphasis or education for osteoporosis evaluation may be necessary in case of rib fractures. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Rib fracture incidence in this group is associated with classical risk markers such as osteoporosis, old age, and history of fracture. [symptoma.com]

  Osteoporosis is a health complication that is characterised by impaired fractured healing and reduced bone mass. Widely viewed as a "women's disease", osteoporosis also affects 20 percent of men. [sarmsstore.co.uk]

• Back Pain

  The pain na “gumagapang” does not necessarily means it is really bad. As I said most people with back pain recovers in time. [pinoytransplant.com]

  "It's often initially thought to be a back issue, because the fracture occurs on the posterior side of the body," Simpson says. "It feels like back pain. It's a frustrating injury for sure. [golfdigest.com]

  The patient's radiating pain was immediately relieved and her lower back pain disappeared at 3 months after surgery. The patient reported right-sided flank pain after the first surgery. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms Symptoms include gradual onset of chest or back pain. Pain may be felt on one side, but difficult to pinpoint the exact location. [sportsinjuryclinic.net]

• Chest Deformity

  Surgical rib fixation for flail chest deformity improves liberation from mechanical ventilation. J Crit Care 2014 ;29:139–143. Google Scholar 29 Althausen PL, Shannon S, Watts C, et al. [doi.org]

  Surgical rib fixation for flail chest deformity improves liberation from mechanical ventilation. J Crit Care. 2014;29(1):139-143. Vana PG, Neubauer DC, Luchette FA. Contemporary management of flail chest. [aetna.com]

• Seizure

  If the CO2 gets too high she could have a seizure and lose O2 to her brain. Marisa’s fingers are constantly swollen so she lacks the ability to grip a stick or even hold a pencil. [rohhadfight.org]

  • Seizures Not all children with ROHHAD experience seizures, but they can be a symptom that is present. • Some of the children also have a diagnosis of autism and there are some behavioural/mood and developmental disorders associated with ROHHAD. • [rohhadassociation.com]

  Other neurologic manifestations majorly included seizures, altered consciousness, sleep disturbance, and developmental delay. The clinical presentations of the patients are summarized in Table 3. [hindawi.com]

  Since seizures were suspected, MRI and electroencephalography were performed and which were normal. Several central and peripheral nervous system disorders, as well as lung and cardiac diseases, were ruled out. [pedinfect.com]

  Mutations Impairing GSK3-Mediated MAF Phosphorylation Cause Cataract, Deafness, Intellectual Disability, Seizures, and a Down Syndrome-like Facies. Am J Hum Genet. 2015 May;96(5):816–25. [karger.com]

• Hyperactivity

  2/M -/33/29 Obesity Yes Hyper-prolactinemia, failed GH Mixed sleep apnea No No No No No - - - BIPAP Alive 34 45 Ibanez-Mico, 2017 [41] 2/F -/-/- Obesity, increased appetite Yes Hyper-prolactinemia, Central hypothyroidism Sleep apnea Yes Aggression, hyperactivity [hindawi.com]

  The patient's behaviour considerably worsened shortly afterwards, with episodes of self- and hetero-aggression, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which were refractory to neuroleptics (risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine). [elsevier.es]

All patients with blunt trauma to the chest undergo imaging. Furthermore, index of suspicion for rib fractures and other injuries should be high. Diagnosis of rib fractures and associated injuries can be made by the following tests:

X-ray

In addition to detecting fractures, anteroposterior and lateral chest X-rays can visualize other associated injuries such as lung contusion, hemothorax, atelectasis, pneumothorax and pneumonia. The simple fractures appear as cracks while displaced ones show two misaligned segments. 

Computed tomography 

These are more sensitive than chest x ray for detection of fractures [9]. These scans also help diagnose lung injuries such as pulmonary contusion and pneumothorax. 

Urinalysis

Necessary to find possible hematuria, if kidney injury due to lower rib fractures has occurred [10]. 

Arterial blood gas

In the case of pulmonary contusion or other lung injuries.

Other special consideration

Spontaneous fractures in patients with a history of malignancy should be suspected. For spontaneous fractures in patients with no prior malignancy, a detailed history and family history should be obtained along with a physical exam. The workup would include imaging such as CT scan and/or MRI to determine primary versus metastasis.

• Atelectasis

  Immobilization (eg, by strapping or taping) should usually be avoided; it constricts respiration and may predispose to atelectasis and pneumonia. [merckmanuals.com]

  Hemothorax, Pneumothorax, Pneumonia ) Pain control is critical to reduce the risk of Splinting, Atelectasis and secondary Pneumonia IV. [fpnotebook.com]

• Pleural Effusion

  A chest X-ray alone cannot determine if a pleural effusion is a haemothorax or simple fluid, however in the context of significant chest trauma this is often a reasonable assumption. [radiologymasterclass.co.uk]

  Four respiratory readmissions, two deaths, seven pneumonias, seven pleural-effusions, and 19 recurrent pneumothoraces were encountered in the NO group versus 0 in the RP group (p < 0.001). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Effusion 11.Mastectmy 12.Pneumothorax 13.Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis 14.Emphysema 14.Trauma - Rib fracture 14.Trauma - Rib fracture 15.Anterior Mediastinal Mass 16.Middle Mediastinal Mass 17.Posterior Mediastinal Mass 19.Pericardial Effusion 21.Pneumomediastinum [play.google.com]

  Complications in Rib Fracture Patients Associated rib fracture injuries, including pulmonary contusions, hemothorax, pneumo-thorax, and pleural effusions, can all lead to complex pulmonary problems with increased risk of added morbidity, avoidable hospital [swedish.org]

In emergency care, time and accuracy are critical. The primary goal is to stabilize the patient with coordination by the medical staff in trauma evaluation. Airway evaluation and respiratory care are crucial. Rapid evaluation and treatment are key. 

Pain control

Stable patients breathing independently usually require pain control. The common drugs are morphine and oral analgesics such as NSAIDs. Adequate control of pain is essential to enable the patient to breathe normally and prevent respiratory splinting.

Surgical procedures

In the event of a pneumothorax, the trauma or the general surgery team is needed in conjunction with the emergency staff to perform a thoracotomy. In the cases of a hemothorax, drainage is needed. Inpatients should be monitored closely with imaging and managed with pain control.

Patients with fractures involving 3 or more ribs are generally recommended for hospital admission; such patients should be admitted. Also, elderly cases with 6 or more fractures should be admitted to the ICU [11].

Patients with osteoporosis should be treated accordingly. In all cases of cancer, these patients should be managed with referral to specialist. If child abuse is suspected, child protective services need to be consulted. In clinical practice depending upon condition, use of rib belt is prescribed; the device consist of a broad band with handles on either side to hold firm the belt. 

A rib fracture by itself is not a serious condition. The prognosis depends upon the seriousness of injury and involvement of one or more internal organs. The severity of the condition depends upon the type and numbers of ribs involved. Broken sharp ends of rib can rupture major blood vessels, puncture lungs or/and damage liver, kidney and/or spleen. As the number of fractures increase, so do the risk for mortality and pneumonia. Each rib fracture is associated with an additional 19% risk of fatality. Also each rib fracture increases the risk of contracting pneumonia by 27% [4].

Rib fracture is the commonest injury in cases of chest trauma caused to elderly patients. This population is associated with the highest mortality and morbidity rates following chest trauma. Furthermore, elderly patients who suffer rib fractures after blunt chest trauma, have double the risk of mortality and morbidity as compared to younger patients in the similar situation.

Further data shows that concurrent lower rib and pelvic fractures are associated with higher rates of organ damage [5]. In the elderly population, underlying cardiac and pulmonary disease increases the risk of morbidity and mortality [6].

A study conducted by a trauma service, which investigated the number of trauma patients with rib fractures, yielded a mortality rate of 12%. Furthermore, 32% developed hemothorax or pneumothorax and 94% developed associated injuries [7]. 

Rib fractures in athletes tend to affect the upper and middle ribs [8].

The etiology of fractured ribs is mainly due to trauma, pathological conditions, or bone-related diseases. In various age groups like children, adult and aged populations, the causes of rib fracture can vary:

• In children, child abuse and recreational sports are the most common causes.
• In adults, MVAs are the most frequent cause; the incidence increases in countries with higher numbers of MVAs.
• In the elderly, falls are the most common cause. 

Malignancies of various organs such as prostate, renal and breast metastasize to bone sites, which include the ribs. Primary bone tumors such as osteochondroma, osteosarcoma and others also invade the ribs. Rheumatoid arthritis is another pathological cause of rib fractures. A study carried out in Japanese patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, showed that 13.5% had incidental fracture. Out of which, the highest frequency of fracture sites in men were ribs [1].

Fragility fractures are seen in older populations suffering from osteoporosis, in which the bone mineral density becomes low. A significant portion of these fractures are ribs fracture. 

It is estimated that 10% of trauma patients will sustain rib fractures. Furthermore, rib fractures are found in 30% of patients with chest trauma. Fracture of first and second ribs is rare, the most affected ribs are 7th to10th ribs.

Children are the least susceptible group to develop rib fractures since their ribs are still elastic. In children, child abuse should be considered because of its high prevalence (83%) in children with rib fractures less than 2 years old.

The elderly population is the most susceptible group to complications from rib fractures. Rib fracture incidence in this group is associated with classical risk markers such as osteoporosis, old age, and history of fracture. Patients who have a history of rib fracture are more prone to subsequent rib fractures besides fracture of hip or wrist.

The role of the chest wall is to protect the organs situated within the chest. Hence the ribs, clavicles, sternum, and scapulae are structures which enable normal respiration.

Injury of chest wall can lead to compromised ventilation, secondary to:

• Inadequate pain control which hinders the breathing mechanism and can lead to atelectasis, inadequate oxygenation, and pneumonia.
• Numerous adjacent rib fractures that impede the mechanism of muscle coordination required for normal respiration.
• Fragments of the injured ribs can penetrate through organs such as the lungs resulting in hemothorax or pneumothorax.

The most common sites of fracture on a rib are the points of impact and the posterior location of the rib. The location indicates which associated complications may arise. The bottom two ribs can cause organ laceration to the spleen, liver, or kidney. Generally, the bottom two ribs do not fracture easily because they are not attached to the breastbone. Middle rib fractures cause pneumothorax due to the puncture of lung by the sharp broken edge.

Fractures of the upper first two ribs are not common, but if involved lead to serious consequences; the weakest point in the first rib is situated at the subclavian artery groove [2]. Fractures of the first rib occur when there is sudden impact causing the head and neck to thrust forward and thereby causing the scalene muscle to contract on the subclavian artery [3]. The possible injury to major blood vessels and brachial plexus of nerves leads to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Prevention of rib fractures is very important. These are recommendations to high risk groups:

• In the athlete population, it is highly advised to wear protective equipment. 
• In the elderly population, special care and attention to decrease the risk by preventing falls is necessary. The home should include fall proof measures.
• In the group that is at risk for or affected with osteoporosis, it is essential to have sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake. Also, this population should have routine medical care. Those with osteoporosis should discuss with their clinician the drug therapies available. There are guidelines for surveillance and treatment for this group. 
• As said earlier in the treatment section, adequate pain control is essential to allow for normal breathing movements. If the patient is not breathing normally, there are issues such as atelectasis, hypoxia, pneumonia, etc. 
• All populations should wear seat belts when in a motor vehicle.  

Rib fractures are common injuries. There are numerous causes of rib fractures such as blunt chest trauma resulting from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), falls, and contact sports. In addition, there are pathological causes such as malignancies, whether primary or metastatic lesions, that also cause rib fractures. Complications associated with rib fracture can be diverse and serious in nature:

• The clinical presentation and risks associated with the injury depend upon the number and location of ribs involved.
• One or more of the top three ribs broken can lead to sharp edges which can pierce major blood vessels and/or cause lung puncture leading to collapse of lungs. Broken lower ribs can damage internal organs like liver, spleen and kidneys.
• Critical care becomes necessary in situations leading to compromised ventilation, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion and multiple organ injuries.  

Since rib fractures are associated with high risk of morbidity and increase in mortality, index of suspicion of a possible rib fracture should be greater when treating an individual following trauma. Rib fracture and other associated injuries can be ascertained through X-ray and other diagnostic tests. In general, simple injuries to ribs need no specific treatment and heal over a period of time. Complicated injuries involving other organs can be life threatening and may need more specialized critical care by hospitalization. Rib fracture associated with metabolic conditions like osteoporosis and cancer need specific treatment for these conditions.

A rib fracture can be very painful especially when you move, breathe or cough. It can take 1 to 2 months to heal. Discuss with your doctor on ways to treat your pain. Narcotics and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) can be used to help alleviate the pain. Other recommendations include using an ice pack to help with the pain and discomfort. Also, you should do slow deep breathing to help keep your lungs healthy. It is important to continue follow up with your doctor. If breathing is difficult and you develop anxiety, you should seek care immediately. 

Stay active because routine activities help increase the healing process. Always remember to wear your seatbelt while in a motor vehicle. Also wear protective gear when engaging in contact sports. Pay special attention to anything in your house that may contribute to falls. Prevention of fractures in general is very important and should be kept in mind.  

1. Ochi K, Furuya T, Ikari K, Taniguchi A, Yamanaka H, Momohara S. Sites, frequencies, and causes of self-reported fractures in 9,720 rheumatoid arthritis patients: a large prospective observational cohort study in Japan. Archives of Osteoporosis. 2013; 8(1-2):130.
2. Colosimo AJ, Byrne E, Heidt RS Jr, Carlonas RL, Wyatt H. Acute traumatic first-rib fracture in the contact athlete: a case report. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2004; 32(5):1310-2.
3. Lee SJ, Chu SJ, Tsai SH. Isolated Bilateral First-rib Fractures. Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2008; 5:47-49.
4. Bulger E, Arneson M, Mock C, Jurkovich G. Rib Fractures in the Elderly. The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care. 2000; 48(6):1040-1047. doi:10.1097/00005373-200006000-00007.
5. Al-Hassani A, Afifi I, Abdelrahman H, et al. Concurrent rib and pelvic fractures as an indicator of solid abdominal organ injury. International Journal of Surg. 2013; 11(6):483-6.
6. Maxwell CA, Mion LC, Dietrich MS. Hospitalized injured older adults: clinical utility of a rib fracture scoring system. Journal of Trauma Nursing; 2012 J19 (3):168-74.
7. Ziegler DW, Agarwal NN. The morbidity and mortality of rib fractures. The Journal of Trauma. 1994;37(6):975-9.
8. Coris EE, Higgins HW 2nd. First rib stress fractures in throwing athletes. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2005; 33(9):1400-4.
9. Magu S, Yadav A, Agarwal S. Computed tomography in blunt chest trauma. The Indian Journal of Chest Diseases & Allied Science. 2009; 51(2):75-81.
10. Holmes JF, Wisner DH, McGahan JP, Mower WR, Kuppermann N. Clinical prediction rules for identifying adults at very low risk for intra-abdominal injuries after blunt trauma. Annals in Emergency Medicine. 2009; 54(4):575-84.
11. Easter A. Management of patients with multiple rib fractures. American Journal of Critical Care. 2001;10(5):320-7