Management and treatment of patients with fractured ribs

Rib fractures are a common injury to the chest. The mainstay of treatment is adequate analgesia coupled with meticulous respiratory care in order to prevent complications. Treatment can be as an outpatient, but patients with more severe fractures may be admitted to hospital for oxygen therapy, ventilation, aggressive analgesic techniques and physiotherapy. Significant morbidity and mortality rates have been reported with rib fractures. To avoid complications, accurate diagnosis, adequate analgesia and effective physiotherapy are essential.