Is Severe Pain In The Left Rib Indicative Of A Fracture?

Posted on Sat, 3 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 3 Feb 2018 Answered on

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I leaned over the edge of the sofa yesterday causing a pain under my left arm on my ribs. I have a cold and it really hurts my ribs. No bruising. I have osteoporosis. Could so little pressure cause a fracture? Last scan rated the osteoporosis 3. I am in good XXXXXXX Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It is possible.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Osteoporosis causes fractures without significant external force. A slight hit or pressure on fragile bones may cause a fracture. Bruising is not necessary. If there is a very sore point on the rib and you feel pain when taking deep breaths then it is possible. An X-ray should clarify everything.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar