What does it mean if you have an extra rib?

What does it mean if you have an extra rib?

Cervical rib: A cervical rib is an extra rib that grows from the cervical spine — the neck part of the spine. Between 1 and 3 percent of the population has a cervical rib, which may grow on one side or both, and may reach down to attach to the first rib or may not be fully formed.

What is the treatment for cervical rib?

Treatment can include painkillers, physiotherapy and sometimes surgery to relieve the compression caused by, for example, a cervical rib.

Can cervical ribs be removed?

Cervical ribs causing clinical symptoms are large and frequently fused to the first rib, and can result in aneurysm formation or thrombosis. In our experience, both the cervical rib and the first rib must be removed to relieve arterial compression and can usually be done through a transaxillary approach.

Are cervical ribs rare?

A cervical rib in humans is an extra rib which arises from the seventh cervical vertebra. Their presence is a congenital abnormality located above the normal first rib. A cervical rib is estimated to occur in 0.2% (1 in 500 people) to 0.5% of the population.

Is it rare to have an extra rib?

Each adult has 206 bones, 24 of which are ribs (12 on each side), but approximately one out of every 200 people have an extra rib. This rib is referred to as the cervical rib.

Can cervical ribs cause dizziness?

Cervical ribs are said to be more commonly found in the subclavian compression patients (i.e. dizzy patients), and various muscular anomalies more common in the neurogenic (i.e. non-dizzy) patients.

Do neurosurgeons treat thoracic outlet syndrome?

Neurosurgeons with training that emphasizes a high regard for neural tissue should be able to master both approaches. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disease that most neurosurgeons will see on a regular basis.

What causes cervical ribs?

A cervical rib is an extra rib that most commonly extends from the seventh cervical vertebra of the neck above the first set of ribs. It is a congenital overgrowth of bone that develops abnormally from birth.

What is Iliocostalis syndrome?

Iliocostalis syndrome is a condition caused by friction of the lower ribs against the iliac crest, which leads to irritation of soft tissues. It is characterized by undiagnosed chronic side pain.

Is having an extra rib hereditary?

In general, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved. There have been animal studies investigating the role of HOX genes in causing extra ribs. Studies have also suggested environmental exposures, such as maternal exposure to foreign chemicals or stress during pregnancy could play a role.