Giving someone we love a hug is one of the most common ways of showing affection, and many would give out bear hugs without a second thought.
Unfortunately for one woman in China, this show of affection led to a lot of pain for her as it resulted in her sustaining multiple fractures.
Hug leads to fractures
According to Sin Chew Daily, a clip showed the woman and her husband sharing a tender moment, where the latter lifted her slightly into the air before wrapping his arms around her and giving her a hug.
Immediately after the hug, the woman doubles over in pain as her husband looks on with shock and concern.
A chest CT scan at the hospital later revealed the hug had led to five of her ribs being fractured.
Her husband expressed regret over the incident, where he was quoted as saying he never expected a simple hug could injure his wife so severely.
In a separate case, a young woman also had her ribs fractured after her boyfriend lifted her from behind and spun her around.
Doctor’s advice
In light of the two incidents, a cardiothoracic surgeon explained that applying force from behind while wrapping one’s arms around someone and lifting them out of the blue could lead to rib injuries due to uneven pressure.
He added that the fifth and eighth rib bone have greater curvature, making them less resistant to pressure and more susceptible to fractures.
The surgeon also highlighted that older adults have a higher risk of fractures from such movements due to bone loss and osteoporosis, adding that they should avoid being lifted and hugged without warning.
However, he reiterated that this doesn’t mean one should stop hugging loved ones as long as they take the necessary precautions.
“When helping someone stand up, movements should be slow and steady, with proper support along the body’s axis. The person (being hugged) should be informed beforehand, while support must be provided by placing the hands under the armpits or around the waist.
“Direct pressure on the rib cage, sudden movements or twisting must also be avoided to prevent accidental injuries,” he added.
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