Presentation
Incidental finding on a pre-operative radiograph.
Patient Data
Age: 20 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Bilateral cervical ribs (left hypoplastic)
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There is the incidental finding of bilateral cervical ribs, with the left cervical rib hypoplastic.
From the case:
Bilateral cervical ribs (left hypoplastic)
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Note how there are:
- bilateral cervical ribs
- hypoplastic C7 left rib
- absent T12 left rib
- hypoplastic T12 right rib
Annotated images courtesy of Dr. Tom Molyneux.
Case Discussion
Cervicothoracic junction can be located based on the angulation of the transverse processes:
- C7 transverse processes point down
- T1 transverse process point up
Taking that rule into account, it can be observed that C7 has a small left rib and large right rib, and all the thoracic ribs are present except T12 left rib, which is absent. Note that hypoplastic T12 right rib is also seen.
(Courtesy of Dr. Tom Molyneux)