Ultrasound Identifies First Rib Stress Fractures: A Case Series in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Isolated first rib stress fractures are considered rare in athletes.
• These injuries are often overlooked due to vague symptoms and diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case series of athletes with isolated first rib stress fractures.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of ultrasound for these injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 3 NCAA Division I athletes.
• Clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and ultrasound imaging were reviewed.
• Comparison with existing literature on first rib stress fractures.

Main Results:

• Three athletes presented with isolated first rib stress fractures.
• Symptoms included vague rhomboid interscapular pain.
• Radiographs were inconclusive, but ultrasound successfully visualized the fractures.

Conclusions:

• First rib stress fractures may be more common in athletes than previously thought.
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a valuable point-of-care imaging tool for diagnosing these fractures.
• Increased clinical suspicion and appropriate imaging are crucial for timely diagnosis.