[Pseudoarthrosis of the first rib in a patient who practices yoga. A case report]

Pseudoarthrosis of the first rib is a rare condition that may occur in athletes as a result of repetitive activities, mainly overhead. The usual clinical presentation is pain in the neck or the ipsilateral shoulder.

This is the case of a 19-year-old female patient who had sudden pain of the base of the neck while doing yoga. Pseudoarthrosis of the first rib was diagnosed with X-rays and CAT scan. Treatment consisted of a rehabilitation and physical therapy program that was successful despite the persistence of the pseudoarthrosis.

Cases of first rib fractures have been reported in athletes practicing multiple activities; however, pseudoarthrosis cases are rare since most of them progress to bone healing. This is the first reported case of a fracture or pseudoarthrosis in a patient practicing yoga. As in most reported cases, conservative treatment was successful.

Fractures and pseudoarthrosis of the first rib are rare in athletes and should be included in the differential diagnosis of athletes presenting with shoulder and neck pain. Conservative treatment is successful in most cases.