Don't wait any longer to find relief for your Slipping Rib Syndrome.
Slipping rib syndrome is a painful disorder in which one or more of the ribs slide out of position and become misaligned. This occurs when the interchondral ligaments (ligaments that attach the ribs to each other) become weakened or disrupted, thereby loosening. When these ligaments loosen, it causes the costal cartilage tips (the ends of the ribs) to move away from each other and out of alignment. Essentially, they become partially dislocated. As a result, the costal cartilage tips can strain the intercostal muscles, pinch the intercostal nerves, or even cause inflammation.
Slipping rib syndrome generally affects the lower ribs, which include the eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs. These ribs are known as “false ribs” because they are not directly connected to the sternum. Instead, they connect to the seventh rib via various ligaments. This makes them more prone to misalignment than the other ribs.
Slipping rib syndrome often occurs due to repeated stress on the ligaments that connect the ribs, such as from strenuous physical activity or a traumatic incident. It can also result from the degeneration of the muscle tissue attached to the ribs’ ligaments.
The main symptom of slipping rib syndrome is a sudden and intense stabbing pain on one side of the body, which can be localized to the affected ribs. This pain may travel into other areas, such as the arms or abdomen, and can range from mild to severe in intensity. Certain positions or movements can exacerbate the pain as well.
Other symptoms associated with slipping rib syndrome include:
If you’re diagnosed with slipping rib syndrome, your doctor will likely recommend more conventional treatment. If the condition is severe enough, they’ll recommend surgery. At Orthagenex, we avoid using medications and only recommend surgery as a last resort. We typically avoid prescribing conventional treatment solutions because they’re ineffective at providing long-term pain relief and often present too much risk.
The following are some of the conventional treatment options that are usually recommended for slipping rib syndrome:
Corticosteroid injections are often used to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. However, this treatment option is only temporary and may not provide long-term relief from symptoms.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also commonly used to provide relief from inflammation and pain in the affected area. However, NSAIDs can cause adverse side effects and should only be taken for short periods of time. If they’re taken for too long, they can cause serious damage to your organs and they’ll eventually lose their efficacy.
Costal cartilage excision is an invasive procedure that involves cutting away the cartilage from the affected ribs. Although this procedure can provide some relief, it is very risky and may require a lengthy recovery period.
Rib resection is another invasive procedure. It involves removing a section of the misaligned rib or ribs. Doing so is only necessary if the misalignment is severe and the ribs are causing significant pain or discomfort. Rib resection surgery can immediately relieve symptoms such as pain and reduced mobility. However, it can also cause scarring and carries risks of infection and post-operative complications.
Laparoscopic costal cartilage removal is a less invasive version of costal cartilage excision. It involves making several small incisions in the affected area and using tiny instruments to remove the misaligned cartilage. Although this procedure offers less risk and a quicker recovery, it may not be as effective as more invasive procedures such as costal cartilage excision or rib resection.
Rib stabilization involves implanting metal plates along the affected ribs and then tightening them in place, thus stabilizing the ribs and preventing them from slipping out of position. This procedure also has its risks, such as nerve damage and infection. It’s often regarded as one of the most invasive treatment options available.
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a highly concentrated solution of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood. Typically, a PRP solution is made by extracting a sample of the patient’s blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets, and then re-injecting this highly concentrated solution into the affected area.
PRP is filled with growth factors that help promote tissue regeneration and healing. When injected into an injured or damaged area, PRP can stimulate healing and reduce pain. As a result, it’s an effective, non-invasive way to treat various conditions, including slipping rib syndrome.
At Orthagenex, we believe that PRP treatment is an effective and non-invasive way to treat slipping rib syndrome. Unlike conventional treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or costal cartilage excision, PRP requires no invasive procedures or long recovery times. Additionally, because PRP solutions are processed using the patient’s own blood, there is little risk of allergic reactions or other complications.
PRP treatment can help to stimulate healing in the affected area and reduce inflammation. This can help ease the pain associated with slipping rib syndrome and promote tissue regeneration. Additionally, PRP can strengthen weakened ligaments and reduce the risk of future injury or misalignment.
PRP treatment isn’t a rare or novel practice, but at Orthagenex, we take it to the next level. We use cutting-edge technology to process PRP solutions that are more concentrated and more effective than other treatments. We also create customized solutions for each patient, maximizing results while minimizing risks.
At Orthagenex, we strive to give you the best treatment possible, which is why we only use the most advanced technology and techniques to create superior PRP solutions. With our state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and experienced staff, we can provide you with the highest quality treatments in a safe and comfortable environment. The following are some examples of how Orthagenex PRP injections are superior to other treatments:
Orthagenex utilizes a combination of MSK (musculoskeletal) ultrasound and fluoroscopy to ensure that our PRP solutions are placed precisely where needed. They work by providing a real-time visual of the area being treated, allowing us to target problem areas more accurately. This is superior to blind injections as it reduces the risk of damaging any surrounding healthy tissue and increases the accuracy of treating the affected area.
The specific lab platform we utilize is a revolutionary system that allows us to process PRP solutions in a lab instead of in a bedside centrifuge, as is commonly done. This enables us to process PRP solutions with higher concentrations of platelets (10 to 30 times more than solutions processed in a centrifuge), giving them more healing potential and making them far more effective than traditional centrifuged PRP treatments.
Additionally, this platform also allows for the customization of PRP solutions so that they can be tailored to the individual patient’s needs. The following are a few examples of how we can customize our PRP treatments:
Amber PRP, or “platelet-rich plasma,” is a PRP solution processed with a specific lab platform. Unlike other PRP treatments rich in red and white blood cells (called red PRP), we remove as many red and white blood cells from our PRP solution as possible. We do this because red and white blood cells can inhibit healing by causing an inflammatory response. As a result, amber PRP solutions also contain higher concentrations of platelets, making them more effective for supporting the body’s tissue regeneration and healing.
We can also create next-generation platelet lysate (PL). The difference between PL treatment and PRP treatment is that when PL injections are administered, they release their growth factors immediately. In contrast, PRP injections release growth factors over a longer period of time. PL treatments are also less likely to cause inflammation, which is why we often recommend PL injections over PRP treatment in some instances, such as if the condition we’re treating is near the spine.
At Orthagenex, we understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we customize our PRP treatments to meet the needs of each individual patient. We carefully evaluate each case to determine which treatment options are best for them and then create a customized solution that is tailored to their specific condition. As a result, we ensure our patients receive the most effective treatments possible with minimal risks or side effects.
The following are ways that we can customize our PRP treatments:
Because we use a specific lab platform to process our PRP solutions, we can customize them based on the individual patient’s needs. We can adjust the concentration of platelets and growth factors to maximize results while minimizing risks. Additionally, we can concentrate the desired components of the patient’s blood sample while removing components that can inhibit healing, based on what the patient needs.
Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) is another solution we can create to supplement our PRP treatment. BMC treatment involves injecting a solution that contains high concentrations of adult stem cells, growth factors, and cytokines obtained from the patient’s bone marrow. Depending on the condition we’re treating, we will often recommend both BMC and PRP injections as part of the treatment plan.
At Orthagenex, we have an expert team of doctors who specialize in interventional orthopedics. Our physicians are board-certified and fellowship-trained in interventional orthopedics and have extensive experience in the field. It’s important to note that only 1% of US physicians are trained in interventional orthopedics. This means that they can provide the highest quality treatments with superior outcomes.
Additionally, our doctors have a wealth of experience in treating musculoskeletal conditions. This means they are equipped to handle many types of conditions, including some of the more complicated cases. With their expertise and knowledge, we can guarantee that you will receive the best care possible.
At Orthagenex, we use the latest evidence-based protocols and techniques to ensure our patients get the best outcome. Our core competencies include using SANS (stability, articulation, neuromuscular, and symmetry) evaluations to identify underlying causes of pain and dysfunction.
We also use real-time ultrasound imaging to ensure accuracy and precision when administering PRP treatments, which helps reduce the risk of damaging healthy tissue. Our orthopedic doctors are highly experienced in using fluoroscopy and ultrasound for diagnostic purposes and can make precise diagnoses quickly and accurately.
At Orthagenex, we provide the highest standards of care and utilize cutting-edge technologies to help our patients find relief from their slipping rib syndrome. We offer alternative treatment in the form of PRP that has been shown to be safer and more effective at providing long-term relief from chronic pain associated with slipping rib syndrome. We take a customized, patient-centered approach to ensure our patients get the best results possible without undergoing surgery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find relief from your slipping rib syndrome.
Learn more about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy option for your Slipping Rib Syndrome.
Fill out our candidate form to see if our procedures are right for you.