HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Protrusion On Bottom Rib?

Posted on Tue, 2 Dec 2014

Question: My physical therapist noticed that when I lay down my left rib the bottom part sticks out. I have been also having some neck pain down my arm and the PT thinks it's a bulging disk. Besides scoliosis what other conditions can cause a protruding rib? I also get some discomfort in my rib to.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
May be Dislocation and/or fracture of Rib

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I am Dr Rakesh Sharma answering your query.
I can understand your concern.
You may be suffering from a rib dislocation at costochondral(Chest bone)junction.
You must get an XRAY done , and see an orthopedic doctor, for correct diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for a costochondral separation or separated rib as it is knows is mostly rest. Seek medical attention to rule out any complications such as a fractured rib or pneumothorax. Your Doctor may prescribe pain killers to ease your discomfort and allow you to breathe more normally. This injury usually take little longer to heal.
Your neck pain also needs to be investigated fully,by Xray, and because of neck pain radiating down to arm, an early investigation, diagnosis and treatment, is called for.
Hope I have answered your query, if any thing else,you are welcome or you can close the question by rating the answer.
Good wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Sharma (3 hours later)

For the longest time i can remember my rib sticking out while laying down . I will attach a picture. In the picture i was sucking in my stomach so i would see my rib a little better. I forgot to mention i was born prematurely at 23 weeks. 1Ib 2oz

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May be failure of fusion.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
Thanks for the photo.
It seems more possible now that it is dislocation of rib may be because of initial failure of fusion as you were born premature.
In any case let your orthopedic doctor decide how to go about it.
Hope I have answered your query, if any thing else,you are welcome or you can close the question by rating the answer.
Good wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Sharma (1 hour later)

I have gotton plenty of x rays thru out my 18 years, if it is dislocated or it never fused like you said wouldnt it show up on X rays? When i breathe my rib feels funny. Thank you so much for your help!!

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Sharma (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
?Floating Rib

Detailed Answer:
Hello,again
Thanks for more information.
It may be floating rib as well. We can see dislocated bones on x ray.
This has made me sure even more that you have to see an orthopedic doctor to advice you how to go about it.
Hope you have answer to your query, if any thing else you are welcome or you can close the question and rate the answer.
Good luck.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju