Cervical rib

Cervical Rib

A Cervical Rib (pronounced: /ˈsɜːrvɪkəl rɪb/) is an extra rib that forms above the first rib, growing from the seventh cervical vertebra. It is a congenital abnormality located in the neck and it is present in only about 0.5% of the population.

Etymology

The term "Cervical Rib" originates from the Latin words "cervix" which means neck, and "costa" which means rib.

Symptoms

Most people with a cervical rib are not aware of it, as it often causes no symptoms. However, in some cases, it can cause Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a group of disorders that occur when the blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and the first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed. This can cause pain in the shoulders and neck and numbness in the fingers.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a cervical rib is usually made by a Radiologist using X-ray imaging, although it can also be detected using MRI or CT scan.

Treatment

Treatment for a cervical rib depends on the severity of the symptoms. If the rib is not causing any problems, no treatment is necessary. However, if it is causing symptoms, treatment options include Physical therapy, pain relief medication, and in severe cases, surgery to remove the rib.

Related Terms

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Radiologist
• X-ray
• MRI
• CT scan
• Physical therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cervical rib
• Wikipedia's article - Cervical rib

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