Fracture
What is a Fracture?
Anterior Thoracic Fractures refer to breaks or cracks in the front part of the thoracic vertebrae (the middle section of the spine) or the ribs. These fractures can result from trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or severe blow to the chest, and may vary in severity.
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Types of Anterior Thoracic Fractures:
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Rib Fractures:
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Description: Fractures of one or more ribs, often resulting from a direct impact or severe chest compression.
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2. Sternal Fractures:
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Description: Fractures of the sternum (breastbone), usually due to a direct blow to the chest, often seen in car accidents.
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Mechanism of Injury:
Anterior thoracic fractures typically occur due to high-impact trauma, such as falls from height, motor vehicle accidents, or direct blows to the chest. Osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions can also contribute to fractures from less severe incidents, such as a minor fall.
Symptoms
Rib Fractures:
Symptoms: Sharp pain in the chest, especially during deep breathing, coughing, or movement. There may be visible bruising, swelling, and tenderness over the fracture site.
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Sternal Fractures:
Symptoms: Severe pain in the center of the chest, especially when breathing deeply, coughing, or moving the upper body. There may be swelling and tenderness over the sternum.
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Treatment
Rib Fractures treatment:
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Rest and Ice: Avoid strenuous activity, apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
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Pain Relief: NSAIDs or other pain medications to manage pain.
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Breathing Exercises: To prevent lung complications like pneumonia.
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Sternal Fractures treatment
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Rest and Ice: Minimise movement and apply ice to reduce swelling and pain.
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Pain Relief: NSAIDs or stronger pain medications as needed.
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Monitoring: Regular check-ups to ensure the fracture is healing properly, especially if there is concern about underlying heart or lung injuries.​​​