HiMy 4 year old had a bruise on her rib (she jumped down a small set of stairs and landed on top of a cat scratching post) and there was a hard pea sized lump under the bruise. The bruise has now gone but the lump remains. She has never complained of any pain or sensitivity but I wondering what the lump may be. Would you advise getting it checked?Thanks
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. The lump you are talking about is mostly callus. Whenever bone is injured, either fracture or hairline crack, there is healing by callus formation. After bone injury, inflammatory mediators reach to the site, there is calcium deposition to fill the injured area. This calcium deposition occur in circular manner and give rise to impression of swelling or lump. This will slowly decrease and dissolve over time. In my opinion, you should get done chest x-ray for her to rule out internal lung or rib damage. If this is normal then no need to worry about this swelling.