Long-term outcomes of costal cartilage resection for slipping rib syndrome (SRS) | 49 PATIENTS underwent 67 OPERATIONS | 15 years | Single institution retrospective study, patients < 18 yrs underwent costal cartilage resection for SRS | Median age of symptom onset - 13 years | diagnosis - 15.4 years | Median follow-up 4.5 years | 72% reported complete cure | Satisfaction ratings: | 69% 10/10 | 83% > 7/10 | Conclusion: Costal cartilage resection is safe and effective for SRS for patients who fail conservative management. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33546899/ | Source: Fraser JA et. al. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA | @EmTombash | @StayCurrentMD | Cincinnati Children's | Journal of Pediatric Surgery
Long-term outcomes and satisfaction rates after costal cartilage resection for slipping rib syndrome
Infographic · Feb 2022 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Long-term follow-up of 49 pediatric patients who underwent costal cartilage resection for slipping rib syndrome showed 72% achieved complete cure with high satisfaction rates (69% rated 10/10). Recurrence occurred in 22% of cases, primarily due to residual cartilage or rib hypermobility, with median time to reoperation of 1.6 years.
- Costal cartilage resection achieves 72% complete cure rate for slipping rib syndrome with high patient satisfaction (83% rated >7/10)
- Median diagnostic delay is 2+ years (symptom onset age 13, diagnosis age 15.4), highlighting need for increased clinical awareness
- Recurrence occurs in 22% of cases, typically from incomplete resection—residual/fused cartilage or hypermobile bony ribs found at re-excision
- 38% of pediatric SRS patients were offered opioids pre-operatively, suggesting surgery should be considered earlier in treatment algorithm
- Surgical intervention is appropriate after failed conservative management, with median 4.5-year follow-up demonstrating durable results
Written by the GCMD Library team from the infographic.
A teal and gray infographic with illustrated icons including a calendar, hourglass, family figures, and anatomical rib cage. Data is presented in distinct sections with large percentage callouts (72%, 69%, 83%) highlighted in yellow and teal. The layout flows from study design at top to outcomes in the middle and satisfaction ratings at bottom.
Purpose: Slipping rib syndrome (SRS) is a challenging and underdiagnosed condition. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of costal cartilage resection for SRS and now report long-term follow-up of our updated cohort.
Methods: Retrospective chart review with prospective telephone follow-up was performed for 30 previously analyzed patients and 22 new patients to elucidate risk factors for recurrence, discuss preoperative experience, current symptoms, postoperative course, and satisfaction.
Results: From 2006–2020, 49 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent 67 operations. Eleven underwent re-operation for recurrence, with median time of 1.6 years [1.2, 2.6]. Median age of symptom onset was 13 years [ 11 , 14 ] while median age at diagnosis was 15.4 years [14, 16.7]. 29/49 (59%) patients were contacted, with median follow-up of 4.5 years [2.1, 5.7]. Twenty-one patients (72%) reported complete cure, 20 (69%) reported satisfaction 10/10, with 83% rating their satisfaction > 7/10. Eleven patients (38%) were offered opioids for pain control prior to surgical evaluation. Patients with recurrence had residual or fused cartilage, hypermobile bony ribs, or both, at re-excision.
Conclusions: Costal cartilage resection is an effective treatment for SRS with high satisfaction rates and an appropriate consideration for patients who fail conservative management. Level of Evidence: Level IV; Case series with no comparison groups