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Suggest Treatment For Fractured And Dislocated Ribs
Posted on
Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Answered on
Sat, 16 Apr 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I fractured and dislocated my 9 rib six months ago. it has not healed yet still popping out of place. still have pain and soreness. Ortho is now talking about seeing a thoracic surgeon . I am not working right now because job involves heavy lifting which makes it pop out. should i see the surgeon.
Brief Answer:
See surgeon only if intolerable pain
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear that you are having pain from a fractured, dislocated 9th rib. Rib or chest pain can be very intense. Despite conservative therapy you are still having pain and dislocation. The surgeon will try to either stabilize the rib or will remove it. The price out of pocket will be quite high. So my answer is that you should only consider that surgeon if the pain is intolerable. The rib will eventually heal but will take time.
You can try wearing a rib belt but there is a danger of causing pneumonia. The rib belt will restrict motion of you chest which will help heal the rib but at the same time since the chest is not moving you can get collapsed lung and then infection and pneumonia.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
See surgeon only if intolerable pain
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear that you are having pain from a fractured, dislocated 9th rib. Rib or chest pain can be very intense. Despite conservative therapy you are still having pain and dislocation. The surgeon will try to either stabilize the rib or will remove it. The price out of pocket will be quite high. So my answer is that you should only consider that surgeon if the pain is intolerable. The rib will eventually heal but will take time.
You can try wearing a rib belt but there is a danger of causing pneumonia. The rib belt will restrict motion of you chest which will help heal the rib but at the same time since the chest is not moving you can get collapsed lung and then infection and pneumonia.
I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
pain is tolerable unless I start picking up things weighing over 15 lbs. and twisting or bending then the pain increases to where I can't stand it. I am on medical leave but need to go back soon. I am afraid that when I do and start back the pain will increase. What to do?
Brief Answer:
Difficult answer
Detailed Answer:
I think trying to have any surgery will further delay getting back to work and may not even help the pain. I recommend using the rib belt in hopes of helping reduce you pain and allow for healing. You will still have pain but you will eventually heal. The healing may take another few months to 1/2 a year but patience will allow for natural healing and the best healing of all.
Difficult answer
Detailed Answer:
I think trying to have any surgery will further delay getting back to work and may not even help the pain. I recommend using the rib belt in hopes of helping reduce you pain and allow for healing. You will still have pain but you will eventually heal. The healing may take another few months to 1/2 a year but patience will allow for natural healing and the best healing of all.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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