The function of the ribs is to provide a framework upon which muscles act to generate breathing movements. Breathing movements result in pressure differences between the environment and the thorax. These pressure differences are resisted by the rib cage.
A direct blow to the chest may result in a localised disruption in the integrity of the rib cage. Most commonly, double fractures of the ribs result in a section of chest wall which cannot resist the pressure gradient generated during breathing.
The result is "paradoxical respiration":
The loss of tidal volume may precipitate respiratory failure.
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.