Ribs are like bicycle helmets. They are made to take the brunt of an impact to keep your delicate organs safe. If they break, doctors cannot just put a cast on them. You are going to need time to heal. While 85 percent of rib fractures heal on their own, in more extreme cases surgery may be needed. Thomas Varghese, MD, explains what warning signs to look for with more severe rib fractures and when surgical intervention is needed.