CERVICAL RIBS-A REPORT OF TWO CASES

The Thoracic Outlet is bounded by the first thoracic Vertebra posteriorly, superior border of manubrium sternum anteriorly, and the first rib and costal cartilage laterally. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a general term for a number of disorders producing neurovascular compression over this area. Cervical Rib is a congenital bony abnormality in which an extra rib is present superior to first rib is attached to C7 vertebra. Of the many factors which can cause neurovascular compression, 30% of the cases is due to bony abnormalities. Cervical rib is one of the important bony factors which lead to thoracic outlet syndrome due to the displacement and compression of the neurovascular structures while crossing the thoracic outlet to the upper limb. In the collection of bones in the Institute of Anatomy Madras medical college, cervical ribs were present bilaterally in two specimens. The present paper will definite be useful to clinicians while dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome.