Rib fracture is a common injury encountered in traumas like car accidents or falls or contact sports. Simple rib fractures aren’t dangerous and usually heal on their own however ribs that are broken into pieces specially lower ribs can damage major blood vessels/nerves or internal organs like lungs, spleen and liver. Symptoms include but not limited to pain when taking deep breath, or motion. Complications include but not limited to punctured lung/pneumothorax, injury to liver, spleen and even kidneys. Diagnosis is made via history taking, examination and x-ray.
Adequate pain control is important to avoid shallow breaths and subsequently pneumonia.