Conditions

What is a chest injury?

Chest wall injuries can be divided according to the part of the chest affected and so can be described as a rib, sternal or more complex chest wall injury. Non-traumatic chest wall problems can also occur and include specific conditions such as Costochondritis or Slipped Rib Syndrome. Other common injuries related to the chest include shoulder (scapula) collar bone (clavicle) as well as the thoracic spine. In addition, the chest wall injury or problem may be associated with other ‘underlying’ thoracic or lung problems causing breathing issues, such as a build of fluid in the chest (pleural effusion) or infections. Complex chest wall injuries refer to an injury to the chest often at a 'junction' between the sternum and the rib or rib and costal cartilage part of the chest or an injury to part of the lower rib cage called the costal margin. These injuries can be subtle and often hard to diagnosis and treat.

The skeleton showing the bony part of the chest from the front, side and back with thoracic spine highlighted in blue.

Rib and chest wall injuries are common and can be caused by many different traumatic or sports related accidents. They vary in severity from simple chest wall bruising to multiple rib breaks or fractures and associated internal or other injuries. Symptoms vary depending on severity of injury, but pain and discomfort are very common, is often protracted and can be worse with certain activities and movements. Breathing can be affected, leading to inability to exercise or even work as well as causing sleep problems. Management options are wide and varied and include simple diagnosis of the problem and reassurance to the need for surgery to correct the problem.