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Intense Pain And Occasional Movement Of Ribs At Left Side In Chest. History Of Fall On Buttocks. Suggest Treatment For Possible Dislocated Ribs
Since having a fall to my buttocks approximately 5 years ago, at which time I fractured my coccyx, I occasionally experience intense pain and movement of one of my ribs at the left front area of my chest, causing the rib to stick out and preventing me from moving until I have been able to massage the rib back into place. This happens each time I bend too far to the front and left, and it feels like the rib is dislocating when I bend down to the left. On several occasions I had Chest X-Rays done, but the rib is never out of place when I finally get an appointment to have the X-Rays done. Any suggestions as to treatment, or getting a useful X-Ray, that can determine whether the rib is dislocating, as my rib does not stay out of place for a long time, but I am concerned that one time, I will not be able to coax my rib back into place.
Fri, 5 Jul 2013
Hello,
When the rib is injured - either dislocation or sub luxation can occur along with tendon or soft tissue injury.Both the conditions will be painful with every breathing movement and easily seen in X-ray or Digital X-Ray. X-ray reveals only bony cage.
If you still suspect and when the x-ray findings are negative - it is better to take CT thorax -
CT may reveal all types of injury to bone (dislocation or Sub luxation), tendon or soft tissue in injury and it may reveal what object you are pushing to its position. then treat accordingly.
Best wishes
he chest may require padding and gentle compression with an elasticized bandage. Injured ligaments require a minimum of 6 weeks to heal.
When the rib is injured - either dislocation or sub luxation can occur along with tendon or soft tissue injury.Both the conditions will be painful with every breathing movement and easily seen in X-ray or Digital X-Ray. X-ray reveals only bony cage.
If you still suspect and when the x-ray findings are negative - it is better to take CT thorax -
CT may reveal all types of injury to bone (dislocation or Sub luxation), tendon or soft tissue in injury and it may reveal what object you are pushing to its position. then treat accordingly.
Best wishes
he chest may require padding and gentle compression with an elasticized bandage. Injured ligaments require a minimum of 6 weeks to heal.
I find this answer helpful
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Ribs are unlikely to dislocate.
However, X-ray of the chest in various positions antero-posterior and lateral should be done.
You need to consult your orthopedician when you experience the dislocation or the swelling.
Since the swelling becomes more prominent on bending, it is unlikely to be a dislocation but a swelling.
Clinical examination and relevant investigations are needed to manage the problem.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Ribs are unlikely to dislocate.
However, X-ray of the chest in various positions antero-posterior and lateral should be done.
You need to consult your orthopedician when you experience the dislocation or the swelling.
Since the swelling becomes more prominent on bending, it is unlikely to be a dislocation but a swelling.
Clinical examination and relevant investigations are needed to manage the problem.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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