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Cervical rib

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody and Radswiki et al.

A cervical rib is a supernumerary or accessory rib arising from the seventh cervical vertebra. They occur in approximately 0.5% of the population, and are more common in females.

Although cervical ribs are usually asymptomatic, they are the most important anatomic rib variant clinically, because they can cause thoracic outlet syndrome by compression of the brachial plexus or subclavian vessels.

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References

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1. Kurihara Y, Yakushiji YK, Matsumoto J et-al. The ribs: anatomic and radiologic considerations. Radiographics. 19 (1): 105-19. Radiographics (full text) - Pubmed citation