Which of the following is NOT a common complication of rib fractures?

Rib fractures can lead to several complications due to the nature of the injury and their proximity to vital structures. Pneumonia, pneumothorax, and hemothorax are all recognized complications associated with rib fractures.

Pneumonia can occur due to shallow breathing resulting from pain, which can lead to inadequate lung expansion and consequently, pulmonary infections. Pneumothorax refers to the presence of air in the pleural space, which can happen if a fractured rib punctures the lung or pleura, leading to lung collapse. Hemothorax is another potential complication, occurring when blood accumulates in the pleural space, typically due to trauma affecting the blood vessels nearby.

In contrast, a heart attack is not a direct or common complication of rib fractures. While rib fractures can cause pain and discomfort in the chest area, they do not typically result in cardiovascular issues like heart attacks, which are initiated by different underlying mechanisms primarily involving coronary artery disease. Therefore, identifying heart attack as an unrelated complication underscores the unique nature of rib fracture complications in contrast to cardiovascular events.