S22.4: Multiple fractures of ribs

Multiple fractures of the ribs, as the name implies, is a condition in which more than one rib bone is broken at the same time. Ribs are the bones that form a protective cage around the body's important organs such as the heart and the lungs. These fractures typically occur as a result of high-energy impacts such as those from a car accident, a fall from a significant height, or severe bash to the side of the chest. They can also result from prolonged, repetitive actions that weaken the rib cage over time, such as in certain sports or physical tasks. Symptoms generally include sharp, intense pain that increases with breathing or coughing, difficulty breathing, and sometimes bruises or swelling in the affected area. Progression of the condition can lead to serious complications if not treated, such as punctured or collapsed lungs and damage to other vital organs.