Twelfth rib syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Twelfth rib syndrome
Illustration of the ribs
Synonyms	Rib-tip syndrome
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Orthopedics, Rheumatology
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, back pain, pain in the flank
Complications	N/A
Onset	Typically adulthood
Duration	Can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Irritation or impingement of the twelfth rib
Risks	Trauma, repetitive motion
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Kidney stones, muscle strain, herniated disc
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, pain management, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Anterolateral view of the muscles of the abdomen, showing the location of the twelfth rib.

Twelfth rib syndrome is a condition characterized by pain in the lower thoracic region, specifically associated with the twelfth rib. This syndrome is often caused by irritation or displacement of the twelfth rib, which can lead to discomfort and pain in the surrounding muscles and tissues.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of twelfth rib syndrome is pain in the lower back or upper abdomen. This pain is often described as sharp or stabbing and may be exacerbated by certain movements, such as bending or twisting. Patients may also experience tenderness when pressure is applied to the affected area.

Causes

Twelfth rib syndrome is typically caused by hypermobility or subluxation of the twelfth rib. This can occur due to trauma, repetitive motion, or congenital abnormalities. The condition may also be associated with other musculoskeletal disorders that affect the stability of the rib cage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of twelfth rib syndrome is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and physical examination. A healthcare provider may perform a "hooking maneuver," where they apply pressure to the lower ribs to reproduce the pain. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, are generally not required but may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for twelfth rib syndrome often involves conservative measures such as physical therapy, pain management, and activity modification. In some cases, local anesthetic injections or corticosteroid injections may be used to alleviate pain. Surgical intervention is rarely necessary but may be considered in severe cases where conservative treatments fail.

See Also

• Rib cage
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Pain management