Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
Juvenile first rib fracture caused by morning stretching
Seung-Joon Lee1, Kilsoo Yie, Sung Bin Chon
1Emergency Medicine and Respiratory Center of Kangwon National University Hospital and School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea.
Background:
First rib fractures are very rare, being primarily associated with external blunt trauma. Related conditions, such as sudden contraction of the neck muscle, stress fractures, and fatigue fractures, have been reported sporadically. These fractures are mostly related to repetitive or explosive physical training. However, anatomical relationships and related injury mechanisms may cause first rib fractures without repetitive sports activity.
Objective:
To present a case of juvenile first rib fracture caused by morning stretching without sports activity. CASE
Report:
We present a rare case report of juvenile atraumatic first rib fracture.
Conclusion:
Physicians should be aware that even morning stretching with yawning can cause a first rib fracture in children. Awareness is important for early recognition, and proper management is critical for a pain-free return to normal life. An understanding of the mechanism of atraumatic first rib fracture is important.
Related Concept Videos
The Thoracic Cage: Ribs
Parts of a Typical Rib
A typical rib has a head, neck, and body. The posterior end of the rib is called the head, followed by a narrow neck. The head articulates primarily with the costal facet...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.

