Shreyas Iyer Injury: What is a rib cage injury? How Severe and Dangerous a Rib Cage Injury is

Indian vice-captain Shreyas Iyer was injured in the third ODI against Australia. While fielding, he lost his balance while catching Alex Carey, falling, and severely injuring his left rib. He has since been admitted to the ICU ward of a Sydney hospital. Reports indicate that he suffered internal bleeding in his ribs. However, let's explore what a rib cage injury is and how dangerous it can be.

What is a rib cage injury?

The ribs protect the internal organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. A rib injury is usually a fracture or crack in the rib. This can occur during sports, a fall, or an accident. 

There are two types of rib fractures:

Non-displaced rib – This fracture occurs when the bone is broken but not significantly displaced from its original position
Displaced fracture – The bone fragments move out of place, creating a gap between them. In this case, surgery may be needed.

Symptoms of Rib Cage Injury

• Rib cage injuries usually cause severe pain when breathing or coughing.
• It hurts when touched.
• There may be internal or external inflammation.
• Blue or red marks may appear on the body.
• There may be difficulty in taking deep breaths.
• There is difficulty in walking.

Risks of Rib Cage Injuries

If a rib injury becomes serious, it can damage the heart, liver, or lungs, leading to internal bleeding. Cracks or fractures in the ribs can cause breathing problems, shrink the lungs, and increase the risk of pneumonia. Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer's injury is serious, but doctors are monitoring him closely. He has been admitted to the ICU to prevent the risk of infection due to internal bleeding. His condition is currently stable.

Treatment and Recovery for Rib Cage Injuries

• Rest is most important in rib cage injuries.
• Pain relief medicine is given on the advice of the doctor.
• Applying an ice pack or cold compress reduces swelling of the ribs.
• Rib injuries usually take 4 to 6 weeks to heal.