Costal Cartilage Fractures
The ribs are connected to the sternum by a thin layer of tissue called the costal cartilage. Like the ribs themselves, a costal cartilage fracture can take place. This is a severe issue that may lead to major complications.
Which Organs are Protected by the Ribs?
The ribs protect all of the vital organs in the chest. Some of these organs include:
- The heart, which is responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body.
- The lungs, which take in oxygen from the outside world, transmit it to the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
- Many nerves which power the heart, lungs, and diaphragms.
- The aorta, which is the largest artery in the body and transports blood from the heart to the rest of the organs.
- The esophagus, which pushes food from the mouth to the stomach.
If a costal cartilage fracture takes place, this could place all of these organs at risk.
What is a Costal Cartilage Fracture?
The costal cartilage is present between each of the ribs. If a fracture of the costal cartilage takes place, this could expose the interior of the chest cavity and put vital organs at risk.
What Causes a Costal Cartilage Fracture?
Some of the ways that individuals might suffer a fracture of this cartilage include:
- A direct blow to the chest in an auto accident from the steering wheel or dashboard.
- A slip and fall injury where an individual lands on their chest.
- Involvement in a physical assault.
While the first and second ribs are more prone to being separated from the rib cage, these fractures occur more commonly in the lower ribs. When these ribs are disrupted, they become more mobile. This could place the body’s internal organs, such as the heart and lungs, at risk.
How is a Costal Cartilage Fracture Treated?
If the injury is diagnosed quickly, most individuals will make a full recovery. Typically, individuals are asked to wear protective padding to guard the rest of their ribs against a similar injury. In severe cases, surgery might be required to stabilize a moving rib.
Overall, a fracture of the costal cartilage will heal in a few weeks; however, pain control during this time is a severe issue. When people inhale, their ribs move, and this could make the pain worse. Pain is typically controlled with Tylenol and Motrin; however, in severe, cases, opioid medications may be required.
Watch YouTube Video: Anatomy of the Thorax: Rib Cage – By: thesecret1able
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer in California
If an individual has been diagnosed with a costal cartilage fracture, this could mean that one of the body’s ribs has been detached from the sternum. This could create a floating rib which might puncture one of the body’s main organs. To prevent this from happening, emergency surgery might be required. This could place the entire family under a tremendous amount of stress. For help with this, it is essential for families to contact a Sacramento injury lawyer.
Why is it Useful to Work with an Injury Attorney?
A handful of the benefits of working with a trained legal professional include having the accident lawyer:
- Review the records from the accident and the injury
- Seek damages related to the accident, its injuries, and even pain and suffering
- Help negotiate benefits and payouts with various financial institutions
- Take a case to trial
An experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer can guide families through this difficult process. Do not hesitate to ask for help because your family could be owed a financial award.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. A costal cartilage fracture in a motor vehicle accident could place many vital organs at risk. Should you or someone you care about require emergency chest surgery after a car crash, please reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 to receive free and friendly guidance and advice.
I’m honored to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum & the Top One Percent, which is a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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