While most rib injuries heal on their own, more serious breaks can have complications. These may require additional treatment or surgery. If the sharp end of a broken rib punctures a lung, the individual may need surgery to remove air or blood from the chest. In rare cases, badly injured ribs require repair with metal plates. Additional bruising or tenderness and swelling in the days following a break may indicate soft tissue damage, so anyone with injured ribs should keep an eye on symptom development.

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