Cervical Rib
Original Editor - Chelsea Mclene
Top Contributors - Chelsea Mclene, Aminat Abolade and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Cervical rib also known as "neck rib" or "supernumerary rib in cervical region" is an extra rib[1] that forms above first rib[2] which grows from the base of the neck just above the collarbone. It is a congenital overdevelopment of transverse process of cervical spine vertebra[3]. It can be on right, left or both sides and may be flaoting with no connection[4], fully formed bony rib or a thin strand of tissue fibre. They vary in size and shape.
In few cases, people having cervical rib may develop thoracic outlet syndrome[4] because of pressure on the nerves that may be caused by the presence of the rib. Partially formed extra rib may end in a swelling that shows as a lump in neck or it may tail off into a fibrous band of tissue that connects to the first proper rib[5]. Most cases are not clinically relevant and do not have symptoms. They are generally discovered incidentally during x-rays and CT scans.[6]
A cervical rib represents a persistent ossification of the C7 lateral costal element. During early development, this ossified costal element typically becomes re-absorbed. Failure of this process results in a variably elongated transverse process or complete rib that can be anteriorly fused with the T1 first rib below.[7]
Structure And Function[edit | edit source]
Associated Conditions[edit | edit source]
- Thoracic outlet syndrome due to compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus or subclavian artery.
- Compression of the brachial plexus may be identified by weakness of the muscles around the muscles in the hand.
- Compression of the subclavian artery is often diagnosed.
- Compression of the sympathetic chain may cause Horner's syndrome.[5]
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
On imaging, cervical ribs can be distinguished because their transverse processes are directed inferolaterally, whereas those of the adjacent thoracic spine are directed anterolaterally.[8]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Cervical Rib. Healthily. Available from https://www.livehealthily.com/neck-pain/cervical-rib [last accessed 05/11/2020]
- ↑ Cervical Rib. NHS. Available from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-rib/ [ last accessed 05/11/2020]
- ↑ Fliegel BE, Menezes RG. Anatomy, Thorax, Cervical Rib.[updated 2020 Aug 22]. In:StatPearls[Internet].Treasure Island(FL): stat pearls publishing; 2020 jan.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Dr. Colin Tidy. Cervical Rib. Thoracic outlet syndrome. Patient. Available from https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/cervical-rib-thoracic-outlet-syndrome [last accessed 05/11/2020]]
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Giles, Lynton G. F. (2009-01-01), Giles, Lynton G. F. (ed.), "Case 67 - Cervical ribs", 100 Challenging Spinal Pain Syndrome Cases (Second Edition), Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, pp. 311–314, doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-06716-7.00067-0, ISBN
- ↑ Guttentag, Adam; Salwen, Julia (1999). "Keep Your Eyes on the Ribs: The Spectrum of Normal Variants and Diseases That Involve the Ribs". RadioGraphics. 19 (5): 1125–1142. doi:10.1148/radiographics.19.5.g99se011125. PMID 10489169
- ↑ Tani, Edneia M.; Skoog, Lambert (2008-01-01), Bibbo, Marluce; Wilbur, David (eds.), "CHAPTER 22 - Salivary Glands and Rare Head and Neck Lesions", Comprehensive Cytopathology (Third Edition), Edinburgh: W.B. Saunders, pp. 607–632, ISBN.
- ↑ Balan, Nisha Sharma, Anu (2008). Get through FRCR part 2B : rapid reporting of plain radiographs. London: Royal Society of Medicine. ISBN .