Slipping rib syndrome
Slipping rib syndrome is a condition characterized by the dislocation of one or more of the lower ribs, typically the 8th, 9th, or 10th ribs. This displacement can cause irritation or compression of nearby nerves, resulting in significant discomfort.
The primary symptom of this syndrome is intense pain, which can be exacerbated by breathing or movement. Patients may experience sharp, stabbing sensations in the lower chest, upper abdomen, or back, often followed by a persistent ache. Some individuals report hearing or feeling a clicking, popping, or slipping sensation in the affected area.
Due to its relatively uncommon nature and similarity to other conditions, slipping rib syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed. This can lead to prolonged suffering for patients, who may find themselves unable to perform daily activities, attend work or school, or engage in their usual routines due to the severity of their symptoms.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, including the “hooking maneuver,” where a healthcare provider manipulates the ribs to reproduce the pain. Treatment options range from conservative approaches like rest and pain management to more invasive procedures such as nerve blocks or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Process
My interest in creating this surgical illustration stems from a personal connection: a friend who has undergone two surgeries for slipping rib syndrome, with the most recent procedure performed by Dr. Adam Hansen. I chose to focus on a crucial step in Dr. Hansen’s innovative technique – the moment when the surgeon wraps the orthopedic suture around the rib. This specific scene highlights the unique approach developed by Dr. Hansen to treat this often misdiagnosed condition.
The procedure, known as the Hansen technique for slipping rib syndrome repair, involves the following steps:
Patient positioning: Lateral decubitus position (on their side)
Rib identification: Surgeon palpates ribs individually, starting from the 12th rib at the spine
Suture application: Strong orthopedic suture is wrapped around the rib above the slipped rib
Cartilage stitching: Surgeon stitches through the cartilage of the slipped rib
Figure-eight pattern: Process is repeated to create a figure-eight suture pattern
This procedure is performed by Dr. Adam Hansen, an Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery at West Virginia University. Dr. Hansen has developed several novel surgical techniques for correcting rib deformities and has become a leading expert in treating slipping rib syndrome.
