AN UNUSUAL CASE OF SYNOSTOSIS OF FIRST AND SECOND RIB

Introduction: Congenital anomalies of the ribs are not so common but they are usually discovered as an incidental finding on routine radiography. Bicipital rib results due to fusion of cervical rib with the first rib or the first rib with the second. Its occurrence is not uncommon and more frequently unilateral. Observation: During routine course of osteology teaching we observed that the first rib had fused with the superior surface of second rib, on the left side. Fusion between the ribs had occurred 3cms from the tubercle of the first rib obliterating the first intercostal space anteriorly. Conclusion: The incidence of synostosis of ribs is 0.3% of the population. It is usually asymptomatic but they may cause musculoskeletal pain or intercostal nerve entrapment. Involvement of the 1st rib is one of the causes of thoracic outlet syndrome. A rib anomaly usually indicates an underlying systemic disease and might need surgical intervention. Hence the present paper is an attempt to highlight its morphological implications and clinical significance.