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The Thoracic Cage: Ribs

The Thoracic Cage: Ribs

Ribs are curved, flattened bones forming the thoracic cavity wall with the thoracic muscles. There are 12 pairs of thoracic ribs. The posterior ends of all the ribs articulate with the T1–T12 thoracic vertebrae. In contrast,the anterior ends of most ribs attach to the sternum via their costal cartilages.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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Published on: September 13, 2020

Anterior Column Reconstruction with Vascularized Rib After Thoracic Spondylectomy: A Case Report.

Daniel G Tobert¹, Caleb M Yeung¹, Christopher R Morse²

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

JBJS Case Connector

|January 20, 2022

Summary

This study shows a novel technique for reconstructing the thoracic spine after tumor removal using a rib autograft within a femoral allograft. This method provides strong support and promotes bone healing in spinal cancer patients.

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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Published on: September 13, 2020

Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity

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Published on: September 16, 2022

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Area of Science:

Orthopedic Oncology
Spinal Surgery
Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

Chondrosarcoma of the thoracic spine presents significant surgical challenges.
Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for spinal tumors necessitates complex reconstruction.
Achieving negative margins often results in substantial vertebral defects.

Observation:

A 35-year-old male patient with thoracic spinal chondrosarcoma underwent neoadjuvant proton radiotherapy (RT), TES, and adjuvant RT.
The TES procedure resulted in a large midthoracic defect requiring reconstruction.
A vascularized rib autograft was utilized, intussuscepted within a femoral allograft.

Findings:

The combined rib autograft and femoral allograft provided immediate biomechanical stability.
This reconstructive technique facilitated eventual osseous union.
The anterior column was reconstructed, supplemented with posterior and lateral instrumentation.

Implications:

This approach offers a feasible solution for reconstructing extensive thoracic vertebral defects after oncologic resection.
The technique demonstrates potential for robust support and successful bone healing in complex spinal reconstructions.
This method may improve outcomes for patients undergoing TES for malignant spinal tumors.