Rib Fractures
October 21st, 2019
Overview
The chest x-ray often reveals old or new rib fractures, however x-rays have poor sensitivity for diagnosing rib fractures and these may often be missed. The diagnosis is usually made clinically or with further imaging as appropriate.
Interpretation
- Acute rib fractures - visible fracture line with no periosteal reaction or callus; may be displaced
- Old rib fractures - periosteal reaction, loss of fracture line definition or callus formation may be present; may be angulated
Causes of Rib Fracture
- Trauma - blunt, penetrating, CPR
- Pathologic fractures - solid organ malignancy, multiple myeloma
- Stress fractures - athletes, repeated coughing
Examples
- Multiple right-sided rib fractures which are likely acute
![Multiple right-sided rib fractures which are likely acute]()
- Old right-sided rib fractures
![Old right-sided rib fractures]()
- Old right-sided rib fractures
![Old right-sided rib fractures]()
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