Minimally-invasive repair of adult slipped rib syndrome without costal cartilage excision.

Abstract Background Slipped rib syndrome (SRS) is a painful disorder caused when one or more of the 8-10th false ribs become abnormally mobile. Established treatment modalities include analgesia, intercostal nerve injection, and costal cartilage excision. No definitive surgical correction of SRS without cartilage excision has been previously described. We aimed to determine if a nonexcisional repair technique in affected adults could demonstrate significant relief from SRS using standardized outcome measures. Methods We performed a retrospective review of cases of SRS treated at our institution in 2019. We obtained data by survey before and after sutured 10th rib fixation, using a self-reported rating scale from 0-10 at defined intervals. Surveyed outcome measures were compared pre- and postoperatively using the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. The use of neural modulating, narcotic, and NSAID medications was also compared pre- and postoperatively using McNemar's test where applicable. Results Slipped rib syndrome was diagnosed using clinical examination alone in 42 adults and repaired in 29 patients. Median postoperative improvement in pain at one and six months was 75% (p Conclusions Minimally-invasive slipped rib repair in adults provides significant relief of SRS, offering a useful alternative to costal cartilage excision. It is well-tolerated and effective.