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.

Do cervical ribs need to 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.

Is TOS surgery painful?

Some patients may have some occasional discomfort, but the pain from the surgery can be controlled with over-the-counter pain pills.

Can a cervical rib grow back?

Conclusions: Regrowth of the first rib is a rare event. There is a concordance between a regrown rib and TOS symptoms. Patients presenting with recurrent TOS symptoms and a regrown first rib have a high probability of improvement with resection of the regrown rib.

What problems can a cervical rib cause?

A cervical rib is an abnormality that’s present from birth. It’s not usually a problem, but if it presses on nearby nerves and blood vessels, it can cause neck pain, numbness in the arm and other symptoms. This is known as thoracic outlet syndrome.

Is cervical rib common?

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.

Is thoracic outlet syndrome surgery worth it?

Surgical outcomes are generally positive for well-selected patients. With judicious patient selection and proper patient adherence to physical therapy and movement restrictions until pain is resolved, surgical treatment of TOS can lead to improvement in about 80 percent of patients.

How long is recovery from TOS surgery?

Recovery: Most patients will feel some level of discomfort/pain as they recover from surgery for at least 1-2 weeks. Return to activity: Patients often to return to light activity in seven to 10 days.

How long does TOS surgery take?

The surgeon cuts and removes the extra rib and closes the incision with stitches, which dissolve in a few weeks. This surgery takes about two hours to complete and requires a one- to three-day stay in the hospital. Recovery can take several weeks, during which your doctor may recommend restricting activities.

Are cervical ribs normal?

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.

Can cervical ribs be cured?

Botulinum toxin injections are sometimes effective when physical therapy doesn’t completely relieve symptoms. If symptoms persist after physical therapy and injections, surgery may be recommended. Surgery can involve cutting small muscles of the neck (anterior and middle scalene) and removing the cervical or first rib.

What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?

Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) Thoracic outlet syndrome may include the following symptoms: Neck, shoulder, and arm pain. Numbness in the arm, hand or fingers. Impaired circulation to the extremities (causing discoloration) Weakness in the shoulders, arm and hands.

Are cervical ribs hereditary?

1. Cervical ribs. Hereditary conditions like a cervical rib, a short leg, or leg length inequality in anatomical terminology, or old trauma can’t easily be undone. But sharp mid back pain after a sneeze is straight forward provided you don’t delay for weeks.

What is a rudimentary cervical rib?

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A cervical rib is a rudimentary (extra) rib which appears from the seventh cervical vertebra. It is a congenital abnormality located on the right, left, or on both sides above the normal first rib .

What does cervical rib syndrome mean?

cervical rib syndrome pain over the shoulder , often extending down the upper limb or radiating up the back of the neck, due to compression of the nerves and vessels between a cervical rib and the anterior scalene muscle.