Tampa Bay's first slipped rib procedure performed by HCA Florida Brandon Hospital

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital has successfully performed Tampa Bay’s first slipped rib procedure with a new chest wall stabilization plate made of a biodegradable material derived from corn starch. This less invasive procedure helps patients suffering in severe, often misdiagnosed rib pain.

Slipped rib syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when the lower ribs, typically the 8th, 9th or 10th ribs, partially dislocate, often following trauma. The condition can cause sharp, radiating pain in the chest or upper abdomen and is frequently mistaken for other medical issues.

“Because of the way the pain radiates, slipped rib can mimic a number of different conditions, including gallbladder disease, appendicitis or even cardiac issues,” said Dr. Bryan Steinberg, cardiothoracic surgeon at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. “This often makes the condition difficult to diagnose and can delay appropriate treatment.”

Prior surgical treatments for slipped rib conditions involved suturing (sewing) the ribs together, which in some cases caused additional discomfort due to irritation of the intercostal nerves that run along each rib.

“With this new approach, we removed the affected cartilaginous portions of ribs eight and nine and used them to create protective bumpers between the ribs to prevent nerve irritation,” Dr. Steinberg explained. “A biodegradable stabilization plate was then positioned to support the ribs. The plate gradually integrates into the body during the natural healing process, providing stability while reducing long-term potential complications.”

By stabilizing the ribs, the procedure significantly reduces pain and improves the quality of life for patients suffering from severe slipped rib syndrome.

Find out more information about the surgical treatment options at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital.