Congenital anomalies of the ribs

ABSTRACT

Conegenital anomalies of the ribs are common but rarely result in shadow which might be mistaken forpathological lesions. Careful inspection of the bony parts, which should be a routine, will usually be sufficientto avoid mistakes. Authors reviewed 6,921(5,865 male, 1,056 female) chest P-A films in adult (older than 16years), and radiolographic findings of congenital anomalies of the ribs were analized. The result were as follows;1. Congenital anomalies of the ribs were present in 193 patients. The incidence of congenital anomalies of theribs were 2.7% in male, 3.3% in female. 2. Among the 193 cases of congenital rib anomalies, 7 cases(0.1%) ofcervical ribs, 31 cases (0.4%) of underdeveloped ribs, 81 cases (1.2%) of anterior bifurcation, 34 cases (0.5%) ofbroadned ribs, 19 cases (0.3) of complete fusion and 21 cases (0.3%) of pseudathrosis were included. 3. 11.4% ofthe cases were bilateral, and right to left was 43 in unilateral involvement. 4. The location of the ribanomalies were as follows; (1) Underdeveloped ribs; 1st rib 31 case (79.5%), 2nd rib 3 cases(7.7%), 4th rib 3cases(7.7%), 5th rib 2 cases(5.1%). (2) Anterior bifurcation; 3rd rib 37 cases. 4th rib 29 cases, 5th rib 12cases, 6th rib 6cases, 2nd rib 2 cases. (3) Broadened ribs; 3rd 17 cases, 4th rib 15 cases, 5th rib 4 cases, 2ndrib 1 case. (4) Complete fusion; 1st-2nd rib 13 cases (68.4%), 5-6th ribs 4 cases (21.0%), 4-5th ribs 1case(5.3%), 6-7 ribs 1case(5.3%). The fusion occur in the posterior portion of 1st-2nd and 4-5th ribs,and in theposterior portion of 5-6th and 6-7ribs. (5) Pseudarthrosis; 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd ribs, and in the posterior portionof 3-4th, 4-5 and 5-6th ribs. 5. In the cases of anterior bifurcation, the rib bifurcates almost in its anterior2.1-5.0 cm and most common in 3.1-4.0cm. 6. The characteristic radiographic findings in anterior bifurcation wereas follow;