Treating Slipping Rib Syndrome

I was diagnosed with slipping rib syndrome through the a specialized Ultrasound, chest CT, and physical/manual exams by pcp, pain management, cardio thoracic surgeon Dr. Hanson at WVU, and cardio thoracic surgeon Dr. Cassano at VCU. After two years for investigating the treatment options, I am still unfortunately undecided on what to do. Dr. Hanson uses a technique, where he reuses parts of cartilage, rib bone, or both to stabilize the slipping rib to minimize the likelihood of the body attacking itself, though he does use dissolvable sutures and plastic to suture everything in place. From what I have read , his technique is very likely to entrap the intercostal nerve , resulting in more pain, not less. Also, the plastic platting he uses takes about a year to dissolve, so there’s still a chance of the body attacking that foreign material. Due to Dr. Hanson unwilling to properly manage my pain postoperatively for the week I would be required to remain in Bridgeport, WV after my surgery, I sought a thoracic surgeon where I live in Richmond, VA. I just came back from my second appointment with Dr. Cassano this morning, and like I stated previously, I am still unsure of what to do. There are multiple medical issues that have to be considered in moving forward with surgical intervention.

My thoracic cavity is compromised not just by the SRS, but also due to Costochondritis, hyper mobility EDS, no Xiphoid Process, enlongated bilateral 12th ribs, bilateral 13th ribs (articulated), partially healed fractured ribs (sixth and seventh on the right side) possibly due to compromise bone density, and curved, pronged cartilage ends on the bilateral slipping 10th ribs. My thoracic spine is also compromised due to healed compression fractures, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease.

I have submitted this post today in hopes other individuals are able and willing to comment on successes and failures of surgical intervention and with who and where, as well as noninvasive pain management techniques, for SRS. All comments are welcome. In advance, thank you for your attention to this post and your time in responding.

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