Rib fractures

All patients should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention if breathing becomes more difficult as this may indicate associated injury or complication (e.g., pneumothorax/embolism).

Patients should be counseled to take analgesics as necessary and to comply with all physical therapy and remain mobile as this will promote resolution of breathing difficulties. If appropriate, patients should be instructed on the use of an incentive spirometer. Patients with stress fractures should be told to rest and modify their activities until symptoms resolve.