Ribs Definition
Humans have 24 ribs.
They make up the rib cage also known as the thoracic cage. At the front ribs are attached to
the sternum. At the rear ribs are attached to the thoracic vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae,
is part of the rib cage. The thoracic vertebrae, is also part of your backbone and spinal
column.
The rib cage is part of the respiratory system. The ribcage moves by muscular action to
accommodate breathing. Vital organs such as the lungs, heart and kidneys are encased in
the ribcage. The ribcage provides these vital organs with the protection that they need.
The ribs and ribcage are a core component of the human skeleton. The ribs are multifunctional. Their tasks help you to stay alive.
Rib Cage
Side View
Rib Cage
Front View
Rib Cage
Back View
Broken Ribs
RIBS DON’T break easily. They are
strong and extremely resilient. Their
strength is re-enforced by muscle. It
takes extreme force to fracture a rib.
Most rib fractures are the result of
vehicle accidents. Ribs can also be
broken from falls and sports injuries.
Most rib fractures are incomplete
fractures. This means the rib has not
broken all the way through the bone.
Completely broken ribs can shift out of
place. When the broken rib shifts out of
place it is called a displaced rib fracture (see fig 1). This kind of injury can
puncture a lung or cause injury to vital
organs.
Multiple rib fractures can be serious.
Having more than three broken ribs can be life threatening. Multiple rib fractures can impede your
ability to breathe. This can be a life threatening problem.
18 Broken Ribs
(A case study)
THIS CASE STUDY is based upon rib
fractures sustained by myself as a passenger during a roll-over accident.
No two people will experience identical
or closely comparable injuries from
vehicle accidents. The scenario and
injuries will be different every time. Generalizing too much can be misleading.
Generalizations are supposedly based
on the law of averages, the likelihood or
possibility of something happening based
upon statistical equations.
3
Having more than three fractured ribs
can be life-threatening but does not
mean that every person with four or five
broken ribs has life- threatening injuries.
A person with one or two broken ribs can
be in a life-threatening condition. Circumstances will vary from one case to the
next. The nature of the injuries, the
individual person’s fitness, health and
resilience will be factors. In some cases
a person can have six or more broken
ribs without having life-threatening injuries. Ribs can break at the front, or the
back, or the side, depending upon where
a person has been hit or crushed.
In this case study I was hit extremely hard multiple
times in the back. Most of my ribs are broken completely. Most of them have separated or broken away
from my thoracic vertebrae.
If someone is hit in the chest from the front and
sustain broken ribs in the front, their injuries and
symptoms will be very different from mine. Likewise if
someone breaks ribs in their side, the injuries and
symptoms will be different again.
The injuries in this case study are selective and
narrow focused. They do not represent broken rib
injuries in general.
The Accident
On 14th August 2009 I was being transferred between different schools while relief teaching in the
Gibson Desert in Western Australia. The driver failed to slow down at a bend in the track (dirt-road). She
rolled the vehicle while travelling at about 100 kilometers an hour.
During the first roll-over I suffered a complete dislocation in my thoracic vertebrae at T1. This injury is
probably what broke my ribs at T1 and T2. A large steel object permeated my seat from behind (fig 2,8).
Every time the vehicle rolled the object was driven hard into my back at lightening, speed with more two
ton of weight behind it. Each blow would smash and shatter my vertebrae and ribs, breaking several
vertebrae and ribs at a time.
4
The dislocation at T1 took me out, turning my lights off instantly.
I was later hit in the thoracic spine at T4, T5, behind my heart
(fig 3,4,9,10). This blow smashed my vertebrae and ribs to pieces. It seemed to have kick-started my
heart as well. I was awoken suddenly, feeling the pain from the hit I had just received.
These were killer blows.
Being already dead my body would have been limp and floppy. Maybe if I had have been alive and
awake and braced, the blow might have killed me instead. If I had have been hit in the same place again
once more, I am sure I would have been paralyzed or killed as a result.
Breaking vertebrae and ribs
After the hit behind the heart I shifted. I then got
hit again in the thoracic vertebrae, but lower
down at T10 (fig5,6,11,12). It had a similar
affect, breaking several more vertebrae and
ribs. There is an area near the center of my rib
cage from T6-T8 where my ribs seem to be
intact and not broken.
Out of 24 ribs I have about six left that are not
broken. I was hit at least five times by the
object that kick-started my heart.
Since the accident I have had a lot of pain in
the back in the upper thoracic and the lower
thoracic areas where my ribs are broken.
After the accident I would get a sharp sudden
excruciating pain in the upper back if I pushed
or lifted something. This was possibly sharp
broken rib bones protruding into my flesh. I
have had restricted mobility and some loss of
sensation in this area also.
When I discussed this with my doctor he told
me to take a pain killer. He then completed and
signed paper work which the insurance organization had sent him, to say I was fit to resume
work, and fit to carry out the same work tasks as before the accident. Before the accident I had spent
most of my life as a laborer.
5
I would often swing a shovel or axe all day. For a number of years I was a furniture removalist,
lifting furniture and pianos. I have no idea what would happen if I attempted to lift a piano now. My
muscles could do it but my thoracic vertebrae and ribs would probably collapse and fold-up. I am
sure the consequences would not be good. I don’t intend attempting to find out just to spite a
crooked doctor and corrupt insurance organization.
I have shown the accompanying images of broken ribs to doctors, surgeons and professors in
Australia. So far I have not received any help or advice from any of them. Some have acknowledged that my ribs are broken, some have looked at the images but said nothing. Some doctors
appeared ignorant and badly informed about rib fractures but will never acknowledge it.
Too severe to heal
Since the vehicle accident I have been aware of these injuries and I have been cautious and
protective of them. Most of my ribs are broken completely. Some are broken in more than one
place. Some of my broken ribs are displaced rib fractures, where the rib bone has shifted completely from where it should be. These broken ribs are too severe to heal by themself. There are
too many fractures for surgical intervention. The agencies responsible for causing the accident
seem hell-bent on denying my injuries so I will never get any help or advice from them.
Incomplete rib fractures can heal by themselves. Complete rib fractures and displaced rib fractures
cannot heal when the rib bone is separated.
The burden of breathing, protecting my lungs and heart and supporting my upper body is placed
upon an arrangement of broken rib bones enmeshed in their surrounding tissue and supported by
several unbroken ribs which are attached to my rear thoracic vertebrae, which itself is smashed
and broken from top to bottom. Just standing or walking is a considerable task for these bones
considering their state and the beating they have taken. They frequently indicate the stress they
are under by the pain and symptoms relayed to me.
Using common sense it is wise to be cautious and to avoid exasperating rib fractures. It is best to
avoid falling or slipping or being hit in the injured areas where ribs are fractured. You need to
protect and nurse the injured area as best as you can.
6
Broken Rib Images From accident 14th August 2009
Broken Rib
Displaced Rib Fracture
Rib has moved away from where it should be.
While I was seat belted into my seat. The object
would hit me hard and deep into my vertebrae
and ribs. It would shatter my bones to pieces.
I was hit at T5 behind my heart.
My vertebrae and ribs have been smashed to
pieces. The blow kick-started by heart as well.
Completely Fractured Ribs
Rib have broken away from my vertebrae at T5
behind my heart.
7
Rib is broken multiple times. It is separated from
my vertebrae.
A hit to my lower rib cage at T10 fractured my
ribs and vertebrae bones.
The ribs behind my kidneys are completely
broken multiple times. Pieces of broken bone
lay where my ribs used to be. I was hit multiple
times here.
Rib is completely broken in
two places.
Rib is broken and
bent.
Rib separated from my
vertebrae.
Spinal cord.
Thoracic
vertebrae
Ribs smashed completely away from my
vertebrae.
8
Broken Rib
Displaced rib fractures.
Broken ribs.
Displaced rib fractures.
Broken ribs.
Ribs broken completely from vertebrae.
Complete rib fractures.
9
Ribs are completely fractured from vertebrae.
Many pieces of small broken bone segments lay
behind my kidneys, where my ribs once used to be.
Left rib completely fractured multiple times.
Rib completely fractured in three places.
Completely fractured ribs. Much of the rib bone
missing
Rib fractured from vertebrae and smashed to pieces.
10
Rib completely fractured at T11 at the rear, left
side of vertebrae.
Ribs fractured completely away from vertebrae.
Rib is completely fractured from vertebrae.
Opposite rib at T11 is fractured multiple times.
Spinous process or spine
T2 upper thoracic vertebrae.
Ribs completely fractured from vertebrae.
Bone fragment where rib used to be.
11
Pictures of the wrecked school vehicle
After it was transported to a wrecking yard in Alice Springs
My side of vehicle caved in on me.
Roof and side window both folded down on me
crushing my neck, eventually tearing head and neck
from body. Complete vertebrae dislocation at T1.
My headrest
My seat
12
18 Broken Ribs
DEFINITION OF TERMS
COMPLETE FRACTURE: This means the bone has fractured all the way through. The bone can separate.
This kind of fracture is difficult since it cannot heal by itself. It needs to be set in place.
CROOKED: Dishonest untrustworthy
DISLOCATION: When a bone joint separates. Extreme force is required to dislocate or separate a bone joint.
Human bone joints are designed to last a lifetime and ride out all the bumps and knocks along the journey.
DISPLACED RIB FRACTURE: When ribs have fractured all the way through, they can shift out of place.
FRACTURE: A break in the bone. Separation.
GIBSON DESERT: A large isolated region of desert in Western Australia.
IMPEDE: Interfere with. Slow or restrict progress. Interfere with to impair or worsen.
INCOMPLETE FRACTURE: The bone has not broken all the way through. This kind of fracture will generally
heal by itself because the bone has not separated.
LIFE THREATENING: Endangering life. Something that can possibly end a life or might cause death.
MISLEADING: Deceptive. Intentionally not being straight, or misrepresenting.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL: Performing or responsible for multiple or many different tasks.
ORGANS: Body parts that perform specific functions. The brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, skin, liver and stomach
are organs.
PARALYZED: Imobilised Loss of muscle function. When the body or part of it is incapable of movement.
Usually the result of damage to the nervous system.
RE-ENFORCED: Strengthen or make stronger.
RESILIENT: Ability to absorb or take punishment. Tough and long lasting. Proficient at recovering.
SCENARIO: Circumstances. Series of events.
SURGEON: A doctor who specializes in a specific area of medicine.
SPINAL COLUMN: It is also known as the vertebrae column. The vertebrae bones collectively make up the
spinal column. The spinal column consists of your back bones and neck bones.
SPINAL CORD: It is connected to the brain. It descends down the body from the brain. It links the body’s
communication or nervous system with the brain.
STERNUM: Also called the breastbone. It is at the front of the ribcage. Ribs connect at the front to the sternum.
THORACIC: Thoracic refers to the chest area. The ribcage is also called the thoracic cage. Thoracic vertebrae
is the mid-section of spinal column, in between the cervical and lumber sections.
VERTEBRAE: The bones that collectively make up the spinal column. The vertebrae supports the body,
accommodates movement and flexibility and protects the spinal cord.
VITAL: Necessary to live or survive
13
EXERCISES AND
ACTIVITIES
Add the missing vowel (a,e,i,o,u) to complete the following words.
r__bc__ge
br__athe
p__r__lyzed
fr__ctur__
vit__l
m__scl__
d__spl__ced
res__li__nt
k__dn__y
th__rac__c
inc__mpl__te
h__art
pr__t__ct
sc__nari__
sympt__ms
st__rn__m
w__s__
p__rmeat__d
Connect the word with the meaning.
ribcage
when broken bone shifts out of place
fractured
performing many different tasks
Ex
displaced fracture
multi-functional
impede
re-enforced
life-threatening
misleading
encased
spinal column
sternum
vital
organs
PAGE 16
am
ple
thoracic cage
broken bone
endangering life
deceptive or dishonest
strengthened
restrict or interfere with
breast bone
necessary
heart, lungs, kidneys
vertebrae column
enclosed
wrecking
strong
paralyzed
lungs
vertebrae
breast
24
thoracic
complete
sternum
Choose the missing word from those above.
a) Humans have _____________ ribs.
b) The ribcage is also known as the ____________________ cage.
c) When a rib fractures all the way through the bone it is called a _____________ fracture.
d) At the front ribs are attached to the __________________ .
e) The sternum is also called the ________________ bone.
f) At the back ribs are attached to the thoracic ____________________ .
g) Ribs protect vital organs like the __________________ .
h) Ribs don’t break easily, they are _________________ and resilient.
i) When somebody is immobilized and unable to move they are ___________________ .
j) A wrecked vehicle is taken to a ____________________ yard.
PAGE 17
ANSWERS
Add the missing vowel (a, e, i, o, u) to complete the following words.
ribcage
breathe
paralyzed
fracture
vital
muscle
displaced
resilient
kidney
thoracic
incomplete
heart
protect
scenario
symptoms
sternum
wise
permeated
Connect the word with the meaning
ribcage ------------------- thoracic-cage
fractured ------------------ broken bone
displaced fracture ------- When broken bone shifts out of place
multi-functional ---------- performing many different tasks
impede -------------------- restrict or interfere with
re-enforced -------------- strengthened
life-threatening --------- endangering life
misleading --------------- deceptive, dishonest
encased ------------------ enclosed
spinal column ----------- vertebrae column
sternum ------------------ breast bone
vital ----------------------- necessary
organs -------------------- heart, lungs, kidneys
Choose the missing word.
a) Human have 12 ribs.
b) The ribcage is also known as the thoracic cage.
c) When a rib fractures all the way through the bone it is called a complete fracture.
d) At the front ribs are attached to the sternum.
e) The sternum is also called the breast bone.
f) At the back ribs are attached to the thoracic vertebrae.
g) Ribs protect vital organs like the lungs.
h) Ribs don’t break easily, they are strong and resilient.
i)
When somebody is immobilized and unable to move they are paralyzed.
j)
A wrecked vehicle is taken to a wrecking yard.
PAGE 18
WORD PUZZLE
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PAGE 19
By the same author:
© Copyright Dale Massey 2013 All Rights Reserved
Reproduction and free distribution of this publication is permitted.
Please credit the author.
www.dalemasseyonline.com