On Wednesday, May 29th, Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was placed on the Injured List with a fractured rib (a break in a rib bone). Rib fractures are usually diagnosed without an x-ray because they are obvious on evaluation. Rib x-rays use a relatively high dose of radiation and can be low-yield.  If you fracture a rib, you should ask about avoiding an x-ray.

Correa told his manager and the media that he felt sore in the rib area after after receiving a massage on Tuesday, May 28th.  But a massage would be unlikely to fracture a rib. Perhaps that’s when he noticed the problem. Fractured ribs are usually due to direct blunt trauma. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Reports noted that surgery will be not be necessary according to team doctors. Rib fractures always heal naturally. A full recovery is expected.  

The main symptom for rib fractures is pain, especially with coughing or other sudden movements involving the chest area. It’s safe to keep active; American football players often play with rib injuries.  It’s more difficult to be an effective player with the pain.