Broken ribs and fractured ribs are both interruptions in the continuity and integrity of the rib cage. There are many types of fractures and breaks are one of them. A rib fracture is defined as a direct action of violence on the ribs that causes the ribs to bend inward and break at the point of force, or a back and forth crushing force on the chest that bends the ribs outward and breaks them. In general the 4th to 7th ribs are more prone to fracture. This is because they are long and thin. Fractured ribs are most often characterized by localized pain, especially when breathing deeply, changing position, or coughing violently. In severe cases, the broken end can puncture the pleura and lung tissue inward producing subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and hemopneumothorax. Generally, X-ray of the chest can be taken to assist in the diagnosis.