The "Rib Syndrome"

¹ Cardiovascular consultant, Hutcheson Memorial Hospital

1. It is suggested that the numerous chest-wall syndromes involving painful costal cartilage be identified by the term "Rib syndrome," to indicate a single entity or process.

2. Selections from 50 cases of the "Rib syndrome" are presented, some of which illustrate the interrelationships of the numerous acute types of chest wall conditions as one entity. Nine cases of the acute type of rib junction pain showed eventual transition into the chronic nodular type previously known as "Tietze's syndrome," suggesting an origin for this previously baffling condition.

3. The etiology of the "rib syndrome" appears to be occupational and due to a sprain or strain of the rib junction in many cases. The patient is usually unaware of local tenderness until it is found by the examiner. Biopsies and x-ray films are usually normal and unrevealing.

4. Treatment consists of local splinting, local heat and oral salicylates. The more severe cases respond best to local injections of procaine and cortisone mixtures.

5. The "Rib syndrome" appears to be a common condition that is frequently confused with diseases of heart or lungs. The diagnosis is easily confirmed when point compression over the involved costochondral junction or other painful cartilage exactly reproduces the patient's complaints.