Rib Dislocation

Injury and displacement of a rib where it joins the sternum (breastbone) or
spinal column. Dislocation means the rib and adjoining bones no longer touch each other.

Subluxation is a minor dislocation in which the joint surfaces still touch, but not in normal relation to each other.

Body Parts Involved

• Rib and sternum or spinal column.
• Ligaments attaching ribs to the sternum or spinal column.
• Soft tissue surrounding the dislocation or subluxation site, including periosteum (covering to bone), nerves, tendons, blood vessels and
  connective tissue.

Causes

• Direct blow to the ribs.
• End result of a severe rib sprain.

Signs & Symptoms

• Excruciating pain at the time of injury.
• Loss of function of the injured rib, causing breathing difficulty.
• Severe pain when moving.
• Visible deformity (lump) if the dislocated bones have locked in the dislocated position. Bones may spontaneously reposition themselves and leave no deformity, but damage is the same.
• Tenderness over the dislocation.
• Swelling and bruising over the rib.
• Pain when taking a deep breath, coughing or laughing.
• Numbness or paralysis of other ribs below the dislocation or subluxation from pressure, pinching or cutting of blood vessels or nerves.

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

• Use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of rest, ice, compression and elevation(If possible).
• The doctor may manipulate the dislocated rib to return it to its normal position. Manipulation should be done within 6 hours, if possible. After
  that time, internal bleeding and displacement of body fluids may lead to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult
  to return to a normal position.

Continuing Care

• At home:
• Use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Wrap ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a moist towel. Place it over the injured
  area for 20 minutes at a time.
• After 48 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Wrap the injured chest with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication

• Your doctor may prescribe:
• General anesthesia or muscle relaxants to make joint manipulation possible.
• Acetaminophen to relieve moderate pain.
• Narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.
• Stool softeners alter manipulation to prevent constipation due to decreased activity.
• Antibiotics to fight infection if surgery is necessary.

Home Diet

• Drink only water before manipulation or surgery to correct the dislocation. Solid food in your stomach makes vomiting while under general anesthesia more hazardous.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.
• Your doctor may suggest vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the chest and spine.

Prevention Tips

• Build your overall strength and muscle tone with a long-term conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up adequately before physical activity.
• After healing, wear protective devices, such as wrapped elastic bandages or a special rib vest, to prevent reinjury during participation in
  contact sports.
• Consider avoiding contact sports if treatment is unsuccessful in restoring strong, normal rib connections.