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What Causes Pain In Rib Area After Healing Of Broken Ribs?
Question: About 3 years ago I had 3 broken ribs due to a fall. It took about 6 mos. to heal. I have now a pain in
that area. Could it be related to the broken ribs?
that area. Could it be related to the broken ribs?
Brief Answer:
The broken area might be weaker place due to osteoporosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
3 years is a long time for fracture healing. So most likely there is no direct association with that fractures and current pain. However, if you have bones issue (osteoporosis), this area can be weaker than the other parts of ribs. So it is possible that due to cough new fracture has appeared in the weaker place. The pain should be similar to that when you have broken ribs. It should be present when breathing and less intense when not breathing.
If this pain is located on the left side, heart problem needs to be ruled out. Typical heart problem is burning or sqeezing, radiates to the left arm or jaw. Shortness of breath can be present.
If the pain is sharp, nerve issue, spine disk problem can be the reason.
I suggest you to start with chest x-ray and ribs x-ray. If heart problem seems possible, heart ECG and ultrasound should be done and stress test considered.
If nerve problem is the case, you should consult orthopedist.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
The broken area might be weaker place due to osteoporosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
3 years is a long time for fracture healing. So most likely there is no direct association with that fractures and current pain. However, if you have bones issue (osteoporosis), this area can be weaker than the other parts of ribs. So it is possible that due to cough new fracture has appeared in the weaker place. The pain should be similar to that when you have broken ribs. It should be present when breathing and less intense when not breathing.
If this pain is located on the left side, heart problem needs to be ruled out. Typical heart problem is burning or sqeezing, radiates to the left arm or jaw. Shortness of breath can be present.
If the pain is sharp, nerve issue, spine disk problem can be the reason.
I suggest you to start with chest x-ray and ribs x-ray. If heart problem seems possible, heart ECG and ultrasound should be done and stress test considered.
If nerve problem is the case, you should consult orthopedist.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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