Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine
What is a floating rib? Can it be responsible for pain, or even back pain?
This article explains everything you need to know about this component of the rib cage.
Definition of a floating coast
In most people, there are 12 pairs of ribs in the rib cage. They are made up like this:
- The “real” ribs: The first seven ribs are attached to the sternum, a vertical bone in the middle of the chest
- The "false" ribs: The lower five ribs are not directly connected to the sternum, and are called false ribs.
Rather, the three upper false ribs are connected to the costal cartilages of the ribs just above them. - Floating ribs: last two false ribs generally have no attachment. They are called floating ribs because of their lack of anchorage in the rib cage.
In short, a floating rib is a rib that does not attach to the sternum or to another rib, and which constitutes one of the last 2 ribs. Its attachment is made at the back of the rib cage, at the level of a vertebrate dorsal.
Pathologies related to floating ribs
Due to their anatomical arrangement, more specifically their lack of attachment, these ribs are more prone to injury. Here is a list of conditions associated with floating ribs:
My name is Anas Boukas and I am a physiotherapist. My mission ? Helping people who are suffering before their pain worsens and becomes chronic. I am also of the opinion that an educated patient greatly increases their chances of recovery. This is why I created Healthforall Group, a network of medical sites, in association with several health professionals.
My journey:
Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Montreal , Physiotherapist for CBI Health,
Physiotherapist for The International Physiotherapy Center
