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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

Broken ribs can be caused by direct impact or repetitive trauma.

Direct impact

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls
  • Child abuse
  • Contact sports

Repetitive trauma

  • Sports such as golf or rowing
  • Severe and prolonged coughing spells
Risk factors Symptoms

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
    Section Focus
  • Child abuse

    • Related Links
    Related Guides
    Children
    Parent
References
  1. Karlson KA. Rib fractures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2011.
  2. Brunett PH, et al. Pulmonary trauma. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6389704. Accessed Feb. 5, 2011.
  3. Fractures. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec21/ch309/ch309b.html#sec21-ch309-ch309b-141. Accessed Feb. 8, 2011.
  4. Preventing falls and related fractures. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Fracture/prevent_falls.asp. Accessed Feb. 8, 2011.
  5. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 8, 2011.
DS00939 March 26, 2011

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