Was Involved In A T-bone Crash And X Rays Showed No Fractures. Could The Pain In The Same Area Be Due To Small Breaks That Were Unnoticed?

Posted on Tue, 29 Oct 2013

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

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 Answered on

Mon, 18 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I was involved in a T-bone crash as a driver about 6 months ago. X-rays showed no fractures of my ribs, but I am now having pain again in the same area. Could this injury have no t healed properly? Or, could there have been small breaks that weren't noticed before? It hurts!

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may need to further investigate

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us,

I have studied your case with diligence.
As per your history of trauma there is possibility of rib contusion.
Rib contusion is not always visible on X ray .You may need to do MRI or HRCT to see details of injury
I will advise to consult to orthopaedic surgeon.

Medication like muscle relaxant and analgesic will reduce pain along with it use rib support belt.
You may consult physiotherapist for pain management. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case.
You may need to take rest for early healing.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you find this answer helpful do not forget to give rating at end of discussion.

Wishing you good health.

Take care
Regards
Dr Vaibhav

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