Did you know that as many as 1 in 20 people have ‘floating ribs’?
But what are they? And are they harmful?
Floating ribs are ribs that do not attach to the sternum (the breast bone) or another rib. They are commonly towards the bottom of your ribcage, and if you put slight pressure on your waist you may be able to feel them at the bottom of your ribcage.
Although they are almost never medically dangerous, floating ribs can cause problems if they slip out of position, or become ‘dislocated’.
This is often as a result of trauma and is usually identified simply with an examination rather than an X-ray.
The danger of damaged ‘floating ribs’ is that they could potentially damage internal organs. A dislocated rib can also be immensely painful and sufferers will need to seek medical attention.
Treatment is non-invasive. Doctors ask patients to remain partially immobile, refraining from strenuous activity.
On some occasions, floating ribs are also ‘trained’ to move by some women who wear corsets or waist trainers to achieve a smaller waist. This is not encouraged by most doctors, as it can affect your internal organs and cause permanent damage.
In some extreme cases, floating ribs can be removed to give the impression of a smaller waist - although this is, again, NOT advised by doctors.
Celebrities such as Cher and Heidi Montag have allegedly undergone this procedure.
If you are concerned that you have a ‘floating rib’ which is potentially harmful to your health, do not hesitate to contact your local GP.