If the rib fracture is a simple fracture and there is no lung injury or bleeding in the lungs, hospitalization is usually not required. The fracture only needs to be fixed with a rib band and then the patient is sent home to recuperate, along with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications and oral therapy to promote fracture healing. If the rib fracture is more serious, such as with lung injury, the patient should be hospitalized for observation to prevent lung infection, usually for about two weeks. If the lung infection does not occur or is controlled in about two weeks, the patient can be discharged at this time. If there are multiple fractures of the ribs with significant pleural effusion, the patient should also be hospitalized and undergo surgery to reset the ribs and fix them to prevent chest wall collapse, as well as to do closed drainage of the chest cavity, usually for about three weeks.