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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Broken Ribs, Swelling On The Back Of Rib Cage. CT Scan Suggested. Advise?

I just went to the doctor after I had broken three ribs three months ago. Over the last three to five days the swelling on the back of my rib cage has increased to the size of a softball. They took x rays and said there is no lung damage so eliminated fluid from my lungs but are sending me for a ct scan this afternoon. I need to know honestly what this could be.
Mon, 6 May 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome at HCM.

I have read complete details of your question.Fractured ribs are really very painful.

The present soft ball swelling at posterior aspect of your chest can be-

-Organised hematoma due to previous fracture

-This may be a callus due to healing of undetected fracture.

-If there is history then this can be a trickled abscess (either tubercular or due to infection).

-This can be a soft tissue tumor which should be confirmed by further investigations like biopsy,MRI,etc.

You should get your self complete investigated so that the cause & nature of this swelling can be confirmed.
Hope this all will help you.

With best wishes.
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Broken Ribs, Swelling On The Back Of Rib Cage. CT Scan Suggested. Advise?

Hello, Welcome at HCM. I have read complete details of your question.Fractured ribs are really very painful. The present soft ball swelling at posterior aspect of your chest can be- -Organised hematoma due to previous fracture -This may be a callus due to healing of undetected fracture. -If there is history then this can be a trickled abscess (either tubercular or due to infection). -This can be a soft tissue tumor which should be confirmed by further investigations like biopsy,MRI,etc. You should get your self complete investigated so that the cause & nature of this swelling can be confirmed. Hope this all will help you. With best wishes.