What clinical sign is often associated with rib fractures?

Crepitus is a clinical sign often associated with rib fractures due to the nature of the injury. When a rib fracture occurs, the broken ends of the rib can move and rub against each other or against surrounding tissues, which may create a distinctive crackling or popping sound that can be felt (palpated) beneath the skin. This phenomenon is known as crepitus, and it is often indicative of underlying issues such as air leaking into the soft tissue or inflammation in the surrounding area.

While dyspnea, jaundice, and hypotension are important clinical signs and can be associated with various medical conditions or trauma scenarios, they are not specific indicators of rib fractures. Dyspnea may arise as a result of pain or difficulty in breathing due to rib injury, but it doesn't serve as a direct sign of fracture. Jaundice is related to liver function and is not commonly connected with traumatic rib injuries. Hypotension might indicate shock from significant trauma or internal bleeding but is similarly not a hallmark sign associated with rib fractures specifically. Crepitus remains the key indication directly tied to the presence of fractured ribs.