The car crash caused by a reckless driver led to a myriad of medical challenges for you due to fractured ribs. The pain resulting from the trauma to your torso was undeniable. The bruising and swelling represented a potential sign of internal bleeding.
Medical treatment is a necessity and can help you avoid complications caused by broken and splintered ribs. Those complications: internal organ damage. Now, you face a good deal of pain and suffering, a lengthy time to heal and the likelihood of rehabilitation. Broken ribs are a serious injury.
Damage to internal organs
Do not overlook a rib injury, which can occur in car crash or sporting activity. In some cases, serious health complications may surface. A shattered rib may puncture internal organs and lead to:
- A torn or ruptured aorta and damage to other major blood vessels: This represents a life-threatening scenario that may require immediate surgery.
- A punctured lung: Shards from a rib may puncture a lung, causing the organ to collapse. This may lead to an infection, scars, respiratory failure and even endanger the heart.
- Severe lacerations to the liver, kidneys and spleen: Although the two lower ribs seldom fracture, there is the possibility that they may. In such instances, a broken lower rib may puncture and severely damage these three organs.
No one asks for an injury after a car crash. However, when diagnosed, these injuries – including those stemming from fractured ribs — may be severe.
Get the medical help you need
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision, understand that your body may have experienced major trauma. A rib injury is one of those instances. Signs of a rib injury often are when the pain worsens during deep breathing, pressing on the area of injury and bending and twisting your body. Seek medical attention.