Report on Bifid Rib Observed in the Third and Fourth Ribs

Abstract

Documentation of congenital defects and abnormalities is an important exercise that enables the scientific world to keep record on the reproductive processes. Asymptomatic bifid ribs occur less frequently and are usually identified by examining the chest radiographs and during autopsy and dissection. The current observation reports bifid ribs observed in one cadaver and it involved the third and the fourth ribs of the right chest. The distal part of the third rib was greatly expanded but did not birfucate. However, two
costal cartilages were seen to arise from the expanded end to insert into the sternum. The fourth rib was also expanded but unlike the third it birfucated into the upper and the lower osseous branches. Each branch was attached separately to the sternum via the costal cartilage. The intercostal muscles, nerves and blood vessels appeared to be normal. The left chest did not show abnormalities of the rib. Aetiology of asymptomatic bifid ribs is not known, however, more studies are needed to examine the role of genetic factors in the genesis of these anomalies.


Tanzania Medical Journal Vol. 22 (1) 2007: pp. 34-35