Hi, my daughter age 19 just returned from Uganda. She is experiencing pain at her back rib on lft side. A phys therapist that was on the trip thought she may have popped a rib. She has no insurance. We can go to an urgent care facility but they dont have xray. Would that be required for treatment?  Thanks.
GREETINGS! ANSWER : Fracture or dislocation of the rib can be only confirmed through X-ray. If it's a fracture or dislocation then, There is no specific treatment for rib fractures, but various supportive measures can be taken. In simple rib fractures, pain can lead to reduced movement and cough suppression; this can contribute to formation of secondary chest infection. Adequate analgesia can avoid this! Flail chest is a potentially life-threatening injury and will often require a period of assisted ventilation. Flail chest and first rib fractures are high-energy injuries and should prompt investigation of damage to underlying viscera (e.g., lung contusion) or remotely (e.g., cervical spine injury). Other treatment includes internal fixation of rib!