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Rib fracture

A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage.

A rib fracture is most often caused by a direct blow to the chest. Other causes include forceful coughing or having thin bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer).

A rib fracture can be very painful:

  • At the site where the chest was injured (localized pain).
  • With deep breathing.
  • When pressure is applied to the injured area.

The treatment for a rib fracture that does not occur with a more serious injury is usually rest, ice to the area, and medication to relieve pain.

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated November 22, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 22, 2006
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