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Slipping rib syndrome in childhood
1Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Dartmouth and Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Slipping rib syndrome, a cause of chest pain in children, occurs when rib cartilage slips and irritates nerves. Early diagnosis based on symptoms can prevent unnecessary medical tests.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Slipping rib syndrome is an uncommon cause of pediatric chest and abdominal pain.
- It is often overlooked in major pediatric surgical literature.
- The syndrome involves inadequate or ruptured medial fibrous attachments of the lower ribs.
Observation:
- The condition allows the cartilage tip of the eighth, ninth, or tenth ribs to slip superiorly.
- This slipping can impinge on the intercostal nerve, causing pain.
- Patients may present with diverse somatic and visceral symptoms.
Findings:
- Diagnosis is possible through patient history and physical examination.
- Lack of recognition leads to prolonged diagnostic workups.
- The study details four pediatric cases of slipping rib syndrome.
Implications:
- Increased awareness can improve diagnostic timelines for pediatric patients.
- Early identification facilitates timely and definitive treatment.
- Further research into this syndrome is warranted for better understanding and management.