Congenital anomalies of ribs and its clinical significance

Abstract

Introduction: The thoracic skeleton includes sternum, 12 pairs of ribs and associated costal cartilages, 12 thoracic vertebrae and the intervertebral discs interposed between them. The ribs and costal cartilages form the largest part of the thoracic cage. Congenital anomalies of the ribs usually reported are cervical, lumbar or bifid rib and synostosis of ribs. These abnormalities can cause nervous and vascular symptoms and misinterpretation during counting of ribs in physical examination. Materials and methods: The present study was carried out on 50 dry adult human ribs belonging to both sides. The morphological variations of bones were studied in detail and noted. Results: In first specimen, rib of right side revealed fusion of the two ribs in midshaft region with free anterior and posterior ends and in the second specimen of aleft side rib bifurcation was seen in anterior end. Conclusion: This congenital abnormalities may cause compression of neurovascular bundles at the root of the neck causing thoracic outlet syndrome. This abnormalities may also be an indication for few systemic disorders.So knowledge of this congenital anomalies will be helpful to diagnose systemic diseases and also to avoid misinterpretation during counting of ribs.