Suggest treatment for severe rib cage fracture
Patient: I have been diagnosed with three known closed fractures of ribs #5,6 and 7, last CT Scan showed no healing or new growth of bone tissue after 4 months, I suspect that another rib has fractured since then. I can feel movement and like a popping in ribs at times with breathing and certain movements. I understand that little can be done but there must be something that can be done. there is pain moderate almost all the time. What can be done and what specialty do I need to see? Doctor: Rib fractures are very slow to unite due to the constant movements during breathing, healing time varies with age and associated osteoporosis and may even take upto a year. U Could use a rib binder to restrict sudden rib cage Movement, analgesics and calcium. Advisable to see an orthopaedic surgeon