Surgical Management of the Slipping Rib Syndrome

Slipping rib syndrome (SRS) is an uncommon condition, typically affecting young adults and adolescents. The syndrome is mainly characterized by chronic, restrictive pain, caused by the impingement of the loose false rib tips to the adjacent intercostal nerves. The most commonly involved ribs are the 9th, 10th, and 11th ribs. There are several reports and case series reporting the efficacy of surgical interventions for the treatment of SRS. Costal cartilage excision, rib resection, and rib stabilization-plating procedure are successful surgical approaches for the management of slipping rib syndrome.