Examining for Rib Pain A. Compression test for rib fracture Examining for Rib Pain A. Compression test for rib fracture. When the site of suspected rib fracture is located by point tenderness, the sternum is pushed toward the spine with one hand whereas the other hand supports the patient’s back. The maneuver will elicit pain at the untouched fracture site. B. Slipping tenth rib. When the tenth rib lacks an anterior attachment, it can slip forward upon the ninth rib during respiratory movements and cause pain. Source: The Chest: Chest Wall, Pulmonary, and Cardiovascular Systems; The Breasts, DeGowin’s Diagnostic Examination, 10e Citation: LeBlond RF, Brown DD, Suneja M, Szot JF. DeGowin’s Diagnostic Examination, 10e; 2015 Available at: https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/DownloadImage.aspx?image=/data/books/1192/p9780071814478-ch008_f030.png&sec=74166139&BookID=1192&ChapterSecID=68667383&imagename= Accessed: November 13, 2017 Copyright © 2017 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved