causes of rib fractures
Rib fractures are caused by: 1  A direct blow to the rib. 2  Crushing of the chest, such as in contact sports or a car accident. 3  Severe coughing incidents that can occur with lung problems or at high altitude.  Rib fractures in young children are often a sign of abuse.
Kids have more flexible bones. Most broken ribs -- including children -- come from vehicle accidents, but they're also common from falling off horses, sports injuries and falls. In some cases, lots of forceful coughing -- like from a bout of pneumonia -- can cause rib fractures. Most of the time, the broken rib is only broken in one place, and is an incomplete fracture, meaning not all the way through the bone. Completely broken ribs may or may not move out of place.