Sports Medicine/rib fx

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Expert: Catherine M. Fedder, ATC, MA, LAT - 7/21/2009


Question
Hello.  I was going to ask an orthopedist this question but they are all on vacation.  If you can't answer thanks anyway for taking a look.  About 4 yrs ago I noticed a popping in my chest under my right breast.  I noticed it especially when pressure was applied to the ribs or when I bent over, etc.  It was not painful, but went to the Dr anyway.  Long story short, after a chest x-ray and 6 weeks of PT, no change.  It has continued, but now it painful.  I went to a different doctor last week and she did x-ray with rib detail.  She said I have a rib fracture.  Shouldn't it have healed by now...4 years later!?!  I never mobilized it b/c the other Dr never said anything about a fx.  I'm confused and wonder if this has anything to do with my pain.  Thank you for any advice you have.

Answer
Kristie,

In my professional opinion, a rib fracture that old should have healed by now.  However, and this is a HUGE however, if the two ends never conjoined properly, the scar tissue may just keep breaking.  This would not be completely unusual - not common - but not unusual.  

Please keep in mind that when you breath, your ribs are always in a state of movement.  Hurt ankle? Crutches.  Hurt shoulder?  Sling.  Ribs sometimes need a belt to limit their motion.

However, as a differential diagnosis, you may want to ask your physician if you developed pleuricy.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-pleurisy-basics

I do wish you the best!

Cathy

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Catherine M. Fedder, ATC, MA, LAT

Expertise

I have been a Certified Athletic Trainer since February 1987. The field of Athletic Training has afforded me knowledge in the following areas: 1) Prevention of Injuries; 2) Treatment of Injuries; and 3) Rehabilitation of Injuries. Although nothing can substitute the evaluation of a physician or a Certified Athletic Trainer. But should one need general answers to their questions, please feel free to inquire. I can also provide individuals with recommendations regarding equipment (such as braces), sport-specific footwear, and stretching. Certified Athletic Trainers can work with athletes on all levels - junior/senior high schools, colleges, professional sports, and individuals who are active (the "weekend warriors," so to speak.) And, as many athletes suffer from repetitive injuries, there are many work environments where individuals undergo the same repetitive stresses to their bodies.

Experience

I was a Student Athletic Trainer as an undergraduate in college from 1981-1985. I sat for and passed the Certification Examination in February 1987. I have worked in various settings. I have been a Head Athletic Trainer at several High Schools; a Head Athletic Trainer at several Colleges; and Hospital/Clinical Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation. I have also taught Kinesiology on the college level for 6 years.

Organizations
Indiana Athletic Trainers' Association National Athletic Trainers' Association Indiana Health Professions Bureau Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association

Education/Credentials
Undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University 1981-1985 Major - Health Education; Minor - Athletic Training Graduate studies at Ball State University 1987-1989 Major - Physical Education with Biomechanical Analysis emphasis

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