Understanding Rib Pain
Chest pain is a common symptom, accounting for up to 360,000 attendances to A&E and between 1-2% of all primary care consultations in the UK. Rib pain, stemming from chest wall musculoskeletal issues, can be alarming and disruptive. At Rib Imaging, we aim to help you understand the potential causes of rib pain and how our advanced imaging techniques can lead to accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
What Causes Rib Pain?
Rib pain can originate from various sources across the chest and abdomen. The thoracoabdominal wall complex must be considered as a whole due to the intricate interaction of anatomy and physiology. Here are some common causes of rib pain:
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is the inflammation of the rib cartilages connecting to the sternum. This condition, characterised by sharp, localised chest pain that worsens with movement, is often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms.
At Rib Imaging, we find that less than 2% of our patients actually have costochondritis, highlighting the need for precise diagnosis.
Slipping Rib Syndrome
Defined as the symptomatic subluxation of floating costal cartilage resulting in neuropathic pain, this condition is often underdiagnosed. Symptoms include sudden, sharp pain radiating to the back or abdomen, persisting as a dull ache.
Diagnosis requires a dynamic ultrasound of the thorax and ribs, a technique refined and specialised at Rib Imaging.
Traumatic Rib Injuries
Rib fractures from trauma or repetitive stress can cause intense pain.
While fractures are often invisible on X-rays, our high-frequency dynamic ultrasound can accurately detect and assess these injuries.
Our approach provides crucial information for optimal treatment planning.
How Ultrasounds Help Diagnose Rib Pain
At Rib Imaging, we use the most advanced ultrasound technology to provide detailed images of the chest wall and rib structures. This safe, non-invasive technique helps in:
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Detailed Imaging: Real-time images for precise identification of abnormalities, particularly “dynamic” problems that only occur with certain movements.
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Diagnosis of Inflammation and Infection: Effective identification of conditions such as perichondritis and manubriosternal joint inflammation.
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Detection of Fractures: This includes subtle stress fractures that may not be visible in other methods such as x-rays, CT scans, and MR scans
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Evaluation of Muscle and Nerve Conditions: Assessing chest wall muscle strains and nerve-related conditions.
Rib Imaging stands unrivalled in advanced rib and chest wall imaging, globally acknowledged for treating more patients with chronic pain conditions than any other institution.
By harmonising in-depth musculoskeletal expertise with innovative technology, we're redefining the approach to conditions such as slipping rib syndrome.
Diagnostics
We have developed and refined techniques in Dynamic Thoracic Ultrasound to improve the assessment of a wide range of rib and chest wall disorders. In particular, this has allowed for better descriptions and diagnostic accuracy for Slipping Rib Syndrome.
We continue to leverage our knowledge and expertise to refine and improve imaging of the chest and ribs by using advanced techniques in CT and MR.
Therapeutics
We work closely with our partners in surgery and rehabilitation to help patients receive the most appropriate and highest quality care.
This includes performing therapeutic techniques such as intercostal nerve blocks and cryoanalgesia to help support strengthening and conditioning both pre-and postoperatively.
Research
We continually review our practice in light of new observations and findings.
We actively remain abreast of research developments in the anatomy, diagnostics and therapeutics of chest wall problems.
Our objective is to combine our skills in medical imaging with our knowledge of pathophysiology to further advance the understanding of the complexities of the chest wall and rib conditions.
Understanding the cause of rib pain is the first step toward effective treatment and relief. At Rib Imaging, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of diagnostic care, using advanced ultrasound technology to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses. Trust us to help you on your path to recovery and optimal health.
Recognised as a global leader in rib and chest wall imaging.
Dr M Ali Abbasi is a pioneer in Dynamic Ultrasound of the Thorax and Ribs.
Utilising the latest ultrasound technology for accurate diagnoses.
Prioritising your comfort and ensuring a stress-free diagnostic experience.
Easy appointment scheduling and efficient diagnostic processes.
Polite and professional staff providing high-class on-site facilities.
Ensuring a discreet service, particularly for elite athletes.
Rib Imaging is at the forefront of innovative rib and chest wall diagnostics. Leveraging advanced technologies and a unique understanding of musculoskeletal pathophysiology, we redefine the standard of care in this specialised field.
Register and book an appointment through our Electronic Health System portal.
"I have worked with Dr Ali Abbasi for quite a few years building up a wealth of experience in chest wall problems.
He has become an internationally recognised musculoskeletal radiology expert and, certainly in the UK, the leading radiologist in this field.
I could not rate him higher. He is an exceptional colleague."
Mr Ian Hunt
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon
Dr Ali Abbasi is the only person in the county I trust to investigate patients with suspected slipping rib syndrome.
Every patient who sees him tells me how meticulous he is and how well he explains his discoveries. He always goes the extra mile and contacts me within 24hrs to keep me in the loop with his findings.
Mr Joel Dunning
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon
I have worked with Dr Ali Abbasi for quite a few years building up a wealth of experience in chest wall problems. He has become an internationally recognised musculoskeletal radiology expert and, certainly in the UK, the leading radiologist in this field. I could not rate him higher. He is an exceptional colleague.
Mr Ian Hunt
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon
Our Locations
We extend our high-quality services across London through several partner clinics:
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Until Soho: Our flagship site, boasting our most advanced ultrasound machine and direct sharing of imaging and reports.
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Until Marylebone: Our newest and most advanced clinic.
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Chenies Mews Imaging Centre: One of UK's leading MRI facilities, we perform our specialist dynamic thoracic MRI here.
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Queen Square Imaging Centre: Located near our Soho site, this centre houses cutting-edge MR and CT machines where we conduct our CT and MR scans.
Registration & Regulation
Our CQC registration is a testament to our commitment to safety, efficacy, and superior patient care.
For our patients, this means peace of mind. You can trust that the care you receive is not only innovative and expertly delivered but also regulated under stringent standards.
Private Medical Insurance
Rib Imaging is approved to treat patients insured with several renowned Private Medical Insurance Companies.
