A fractured rib is the preferred medical term for a cracked or broken rib.
But there are other types of rib fractures.
Displaced and Nondisplaced Rib Fractures
Completely broken ribs may or may not move out of place.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Ribs that stay in placeusually ribs that are not completely broken in halfare called nondisplaced rib fractures.
This section of a broken ribcage is called aflail segment.
This is much more dangerous as it can puncture the lungs and cause other serious complications, likepneumonia.
How Common Are Cracked Ribs?
How Is a Broken Rib Treated?
Although fractured ribs are painful, simple fractures usually heal on their own.
During the early stages of recovery, it is best to sleep upright.
Lying down can place pressure on the injury, causing pain and possibly making the injury worse.
Healing can take at least six weeks, so it is important to also exercise patience.
It’s also possible to break more than one rib at a time.
More than three broken ribs at one time are potentially life-threatening.
How Is a Fractured Rib Diagnosed?
A fractured rib is diagnosed with a physical exam and imaging tests.
The central symptom is pain when you inhale.
The injury will usually heal on its own within six weeks.
Over-the-counter or prescription painkillers can help manage the pain.
On rare occasions, a fractured rib can cause complications like pneumonia.
Yale Medicine.Rib fracture (broken rib).
2017;27(2):113-21. doi:10.1016/j.thorsurg.2017.01.004
