Shoulder Pain – Don't Forget First Rib Fractures

• Autor(es): Correia, Mário ; Correia, Maria Clara ; Barros, Ana ; Coelho, Ana ; Lopes, Sara
• Data: 2024
• Origem: Portuguese Journal of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
• Assunto(s): First rib; paediatric trauma; shoulder pain
• Tipo de Documento: Artigo científico
• Idioma: Inglês

Descrição

First rib fractures are uncommon, mainly in paediatric population, considering its anatomic features and their skeleton plasticity. Traditional teaching usually characterizes it as a hallmark of severe trauma. Herein, to unfold awareness to an unnoticed diagnosis, we describe two paediatric cases of isolated first rib fracture in adolescents without a clear identifiable cause nor an underlining trauma mechanism. Neurovascular injuries should always be investigated, as fracture of the first rib with ensuing callus formation is a rare but fearing cause of thoracic outlet syndrome. We highlight the scarcity of reports on isolated first rib fractures outside of sports medicine, as well as the importance of considering this otherwise easily missed diagnosis in a common complaint in children.