Diagnosis and Treatment of Iliocostal Friction Syndromes

Abstract

Friction of a lower rib against the iliac crest may be the cause of severe pain at the lower chest margin, in the low back, hip and groin with radiation into the chest and thigh. The Iliocostal Friction Syndrome may be detected clinically by palpation of the iliac crests which are extremely tender and in contact with lower ribs. If the ribs arc moved away from the iliac crest by compression of the lower chest margin, pain is immediately relieved.

Treatment consists of compression of the lower chest by an elastic belt and infiltration of the iliac crest with sclerosant solution.