Although not as serious as a broken rib, a bruised rib can be painful and frustrating. It occurs when blood vessels tear and has symptoms that may resemble those of a rib fracture. You may not see any ...

When the Bottom Ribs Aren't Attached to the Breastbone Medically reviewed by Jane Kim, MD Floating ribs are a normal part of human anatomy, but like other ribs, they can be injured and cause pain.