Slipping rib syndrome: A clinical and dynamic-sonographic entity. A serial cases report

Abstract

Background: Slipping rib syndrome (SRS) consists of false or floating rib hypermobility, which can force the ribs to come into contact with each other.

Objective: We aimed to examine each case by dynamic ultrasound to determine their ultrasound characteristics and analyze the clinical features of patients with SRS in order to better manage and follow them up.

Methods: Retrospectively, we collected 14 case series presenting to SRS between June 2016 and September 2018. The diagnosis was clinical and confirmed by dynamic ultrasound maneuvers.

Results: The mean age was 35.00 ± 10.66 years and 64.29% was male. The pain mechanism was caused by repetitive movements or a traumatic event. Dynamic ultrasound was considered a very useful tool for the diagnosis. Different conservative treatments were applied in most cases. Eco-guided infiltration was also an option.

Conclusions: SRS should initially be based on a clinic suspicion in order to achieve a correct diagnosis and management. It is an underdiagnosed syndrome, so these case series contribute to our knowledge regarding this syndrome.

Keywords: Slipping rib syndrome; abdominal pain; chest pain; dynamic ultrasound; rib pain.