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
