Differentiating Chronic Neuropathic Rib Pain: A Case Report

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Rib cage pain can be challenging to diagnose due to a wide variety of etiologies in the area. Intercostal neuromas are a potential source of pain in the thoracic region. In the setting of blunt intercostal trauma, intercostal neuromas should be higher on the differential.

CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 69-year-old man with severe thoracic pain for 10 years due to intercostal neuroma who had extensive medical workup over the course of 10 years prior to the diagnosis causing his chronic pain. He received definitive treatment with surgical resection of his intercostal neuroma.

CONCLUSIONS: This article highlights the need to consider neuroma formation in the setting of blunt trauma and the benefits of diagnosis provided by musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Publication Title

Pain Medicine Case Reports

Volume

9

Issue

1

Comments

This article was published in Pain Medicine Case Reports, Volume 9, Issue 1, pages 37-39.

The published version is available at https://www.painmedicine-casereports.com/current/abstracts?article=Nzcw&journal=57.

Copyright © 2025 American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

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