Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 10/6/2008

Question
About 6 months ago, I had a fall that caused me to break a rib.  The pain was very intense for a few months but things started to get a bit better 2 months after the fall.  A month later, the pain came back and I also noticed that part of my rib was visibly protruding from my chest.  I went back to the doctor and he performed a CT scan on me.  The scan showed evidence of "healed fractures, bone fragments, and bone angulation."  I've tried anti-inflammatory medicine and lots of OTC painkillers, but nothing has helped with my pain.  My doctor has recommended visiting a pain specialist to block some of my nerves, but I'm worried that he/she will just treat the symptoms and not actually get to the root of the issue.  Is there any type of surgical procedure that could be done to alleviate my pain?  Maybe re-breaking the rib so it sets correctly?  I'm a very healthy and active 25-year-old and want to be finished with this chronic pain!
Thanks so much for your help!
Karen

Answer
Hi Karen.

The bump is just extra bone being laid down to heal the fracture and will go away with time, ultrasound will dissolve the exostosis and return the cosmetic deformity to normal. Have it adjusted and get glucosamine sulfate to ward of osteoarthritis since your body never forgets an injury. You'll be fine, it only take patients.


Dr. Timothy Durnin