Fractured Ribs
Fractured Ribs Treatment in London
Ribs are a bit like thin but also wooden solid curved sticks. They can be exceptionally strong but also snap under common injuries such as a fall, car accident, or impact during sports activities. These fractures can cause significant pain, especially when breathing, coughing, or moving, and may lead to complications like lung puncture or pneumonia if not adequately managed. As an expert thoracic surgeon in London, we offer comprehensive, personalised treatment for fractured ribs to promote optimal healing and prevent further complications.
Overview
The most common cause of a fractured rib is a trauma to the chest. Occasionally, especially in patients with osteoporosis or cancer, rib fractures can occur on coughing.
Rib fractures are usually very painful and can occasionally pierce the lung. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Patients can feel short of breath or dizzy with a rib fracture.
Symptoms of Fractured Ribs
- Sharp pain in the chest or back, worsening with deep breathing, coughing, or movement
- Tenderness and bruising around the affected area
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Audible cracking or popping sound at the time of injury
If you experience any of these symptoms following an injury to the chest, seeking medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment is important.
Diagnosis
Rib fractures are usually diagnosed on physical examination and chest X-rays. However, as they do not always show up on X-rays, you may be treated as though you have a fractured rib even if an X-ray does not show any broken bones. Quite often a CT scan is also necessary to assess the extent of any potential injuries to internal organs.
Treatments for Fractured Ribs
I provide expert care for patients with rib fractures, focusing on pain management, promoting healing, and preventing complications. Depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient’s overall health, I offer a range of treatment options, from conservative care to advanced surgical intervention.
1. Comprehensive Diagnosis
- Clinical Assessment: A thorough examination, including physical assessment and review of the patient’s medical history, helps determine the severity of the rib fractures and identify any associated complications.
- Imaging: Chest X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasound imaging are used to confirm the presence of rib fractures and evaluate the extent of injury to surrounding tissues. In most cases, you will require a special CT chest with three-dimensional.
2. Conservative Management
- Pain Control: Effective pain management is crucial for allowing patients to breathe deeply and cough properly, which helps prevent complications like pneumonia. I offer tailored pain relief options, including oral painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and, if necessary, nerve blocks to target pain at its source.
- Breathing Support: Patients are guided on breathing exercises and techniques to maintain lung function and prevent complications like lung collapse or infection. If necessary, I work with a specialist team of dedicated physiotherapists who can see you at home, at work or in their state-of-the-art clinic in Central London.
3. Advanced Interventional Procedures
- Rib Fracture Fixation: For patients with multiple rib fractures, flail chest, or fractures that do not heal properly with conservative management, surgical rib fixation may be necessary. This minimally invasive procedure involves the use of plates and screws to stabilize the broken ribs, providing immediate pain relief, improving breathing, and accelerating recovery.
- Chest Drain Insertion: In cases where fractured ribs have caused complications such as a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), a small keyhole operation to remove air or fluid and restore normal lung function might be needed.
4. Post-Treatment Care and Rehabilitation
- Ongoing Monitoring: Post-treatment follow-up is crucial to monitor the healing process, manage pain effectively, and address any complications promptly.
- Physiotherapy: Guided physical therapy exercises help patients regain strength, improve breathing mechanics, and return to their normal activities as soon as possible.
Why Choose Me for Fractured Ribs Treatment?
I cover the major trauma centre in London, where I deal with a significant number of chest traumas.
There is no waiting to see me; most of the time, even a virtual consultation is enough to start the process and allow me to diagnose your condition.
I work in all the central London hospitals and can see you at short notice. Most of the time, I also have the investigations you need soon after your consultation.
You will always see me dealing with my lovely secretary, who has an exclusive practice only for a few selected consultants so that she can deliver an outstanding service to you.
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