Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 8/27/2007

Question
hello, i cracked a rib almost 4 weeks ago, i have been on ocy contin-10mg- and am now taking 6 perocets a day instead of the oxcy's. I am still in a lot of pain, how long does it take for the rib to heal and how much longer can i expect to be in so much pain? Thank you in advance, William

Answer
Hi Bill,

It totally depends on what rib you broke, if it is one of the top 7, then 6 weeks, if lower, 6 months. The reason being the bottom seven are avascular cartilage based structures and take forever to heal. The top 7 have great blood supply and heal like any other bone.

Thanks for asking!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com