Abstract
A familiarity with the anatomy of some types of bone anomalies is necessary for clinicians involved in many medical areas. The aim of this paper is to review the newest literature concerning the morphology, embryology, clinical image, and therapeutic methods of the cervical ribs in the humans. The incidence of cervical ribs has been found to vary from 0.58% in Malaysian population to 6.2% in Turkish population. Cervical ribs have clinical implications that are generally divided into neurological or vascular. This study is of particular importance for clinicians, as early identification of cervical ribs may prevent life-threatening complications.
Highlights
The cervical rib is described as an anomalous, supernumerary, extra, or additional rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebra (Figure 1)
According to Kjær and Hansen [19], the presence of unilateral or bilateral cervical ribs was a constant finding which seems applicable as a phenotypic characteristic of Ullrich-Turner syndrome
According to Viertel et al, 74.5% of cervical ribs are overlooked in cervical spine computed tomography (CT) examinations [22]
Summary
The cervical rib is described as an anomalous, supernumerary, extra, or additional rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebra (Figure 1). We have even found that, in very rare instances, it can originate from the fourth cervical vertebra (Figure 2). Cervical rib is known as “Eve’s rib” [2]. Cervical ribs are known to commonly occur in reptiles [3], they are rare in humans. Cervical ribs in comparison to very rare skeletal variations like double suprascapular foramen are common anomaly [4]. Surveys indicate that cervical ribs commonly occur bilaterally and are more frequent in women [7]. It is reported that cervical ribs are typically unilateral, most commonly occurring on the right side [8], and if the cervical ribs are bilateral, they are often asymmetrical (Figure 1). In approximately 50% of the patients with a complete cervical rib, clinical manifestations begin spontaneously [9]. The aim of the study was to review the morphology and embryonic development of cervical ribs, as well as their clinical implication, diagnostic process, and therapeutic methods
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