CERVICAL RIB

Overview and Facts

A cervical rib is a genetic overdevelopment of the transverse process of a cervical spine vertebra, often known as a “neck rib” or “supernumerary rib in the cervical area.” Cervical ribs affect about 0.5 to 1% of the population. The seventh cervical vertebra is the most typical location for these. They come in various sizes, shapes, and attachment sites, and they can be unilateral or bilateral.

The majority of cervical ribs go undiscovered for the rest of one’s life and are clinically insignificant. They can, however, produce regional pain and compress adjacent tissues in some instances, requiring surgery.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

The cervical rib comprises the head, neck, and tubercle. A fibrous band around the insertion of the anterior scalene muscle connects it to the first rib in the back. To be classified as a rib, cervical ribs must articulate the transverse process to be classified as a rib.

Left-sided cervical ribs are more common than right-sided cervical ribs. In contrast, bilateral cervical ribs are less common than unilateral cervical ribs.

Moreover, cervical ribs are classified into four types:

Type 1: Fully developed rib articulates with the first rib, also known as the manubrium.

Type 2: An incomplete rib found with a free distal tip

Type 3: An incomplete rib with distal fibrous band connection

Type 4: A short fragment of bone that extends beyond the transverse process of the C7 vertebra.

SYMPTOMS

It usually is not an issue, but it might cause neck pain, numbness in the arm, and other symptoms if it presses on surrounding nerves and blood vessels. This usually develops between ages 20 to 50, and men are more likely to be diagnosed than women.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To fully assess the condition of a patient’s cervical ribs, a CT scan, nerve conduction testing, and an MRI may be required. 

TREATMENT

Physical therapy is used to treat the effects of cervical ribs, such as nerve compression. When conservative treatment fails, the cervical rib and scalene muscles may need to be removed. A bypass graft may also be required if the subclavian artery is entirely blocked.

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