Can My Painful Rib Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley ,I have searched all over for assistance with a lower rib on the right side of my body. It cracked in year 2020 with a fall, when it healed I was told it over produced the bone  substance used for healing the cracked rib. This has caused me to have severe discomfort as it feel like I am being stabbed from the inside out. At one point they did an exploratory surgery to determine it was in fact my rib. I have been to: 2-3 PCP, an orthopedic surgeon, a neurologist ( thinking numbing nerves would help ). I am out of options, everyone tells me I am stuck with this. I can’t workout anymore, run and jump as it pokes me, sex is hard. It is really killing my quality of life and depressing me. I would like to see about fixing it, as it’s causing pain. Yes, some days are worse than others. I can’t even sit at times. I have been googling things and your practice came up, is this something you would be interested in looking into for me? I have read it may have to be out of pocket, but I have also read since it’s related to a past injury and causing pain we can work in insurance as well. Please help

A:I assume the exact rib is known and there is an x-ray (plain film) that shows its location. (need that info) Rib resection would be the logical treatment approach. The only question is where it is located and can it be safely reached.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World Renowned Plastic Surgeon