How to detect costal cartilage fracture

Costal cartilage fractures are usually diagnosed through clinical examination and imaging tests. Commonly used methods include X-rays, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These three imaging tests have their own strengths and can provide clear images of fractures.

1) Clinical examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination, such as checking whether there is obvious pain when pressing the patient's chest, whether the sudden pain is related to breathing and chest movement, and assess the patient's history of trauma.

2) X-ray examination: It is the first choice for diagnosing chest injuries. Although ordinary X-rays are not sensitive enough for costal cartilage fractures, they can rule out other fractures and provide doctors with information about the surrounding bones.

3) CT scan: It can provide high-resolution tomographic images, helping to identify tiny fractures that are difficult to capture with X-rays and observe the specific conditions of fractures. CT scans can also provide cross-sectional images to help understand the impact of fractures on adjacent organs.

4) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It can provide more detailed images of soft tissue, bone marrow edema and fracture lines. It is suitable for cases where soft tissue injury is suspected or when other imaging examinations cannot confirm the diagnosis.

The diagnosis of costal cartilage fractures is a combination of imaging tests and clinical symptoms. After the fracture is detected, patients are usually advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities to relieve pain and promote healing. If the pain is severe or accompanied by difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately. Fractures usually heal within a few weeks to months, and regular checkups should be conducted during this period.