If a patient has a fall on the ribs and it hurts to lie down, it may be due to the presence of localized soft tissue contusions, rib lesions, pathologic fractures, and other etiologies. The specific causes are as follows:
1. Soft tissue contusion. This kind of patients in the process of falling, may be due to the local by the rapid pull or by the direct impact, and then lead to the soft tissues around the ribs, such as subcutaneous tissue or muscles around the ribs, there is a frustration injury. When the patient lies down, these structures may be pulled, causing significant pain.
2. Rib lesions. This is commonly seen when the patient falls and suffers a severe impact on the ribs. At this time, the patient may have rib contusion or even rib fracture. When the patient takes a deep breath, coughs or lies down, it will pull the lesion and cause obvious pain.
3. Pathologic fracture. This situation is common in elderly patients or osteoporosis patients. Such patients will have a significant decrease in bone mineral density and bone strength. Once the patient falls and his ribs are hit, it is very easy for him to have a pathologic fracture of the ribs, which will cause the above symptoms.
It is recommended that the patient should consult a thoracic surgeon as soon as possible after the onset of these symptoms.