Rare discovery of sacral "ribs": a cadaveric case report

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Congenital Anomalies
• Radiology

Background:

• Supernumerary ribs are congenital anomalies occurring along the vertebral column, typically in the cervical or lumbar regions.
• Accessory ribs in the sacrococcygeal region are exceptionally rare and can be mistaken for other pelvic bone structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a unique case of bilateral sacral ribs discovered during cadaveric dissection.
• To supplement anatomical findings with medical imaging for enhanced visualization and understanding.

Main Methods:

• Cadaveric dissection to identify and examine the sacral anomaly.
• Computed tomography (CT) to further characterize the bony structures and associated anomalies.

Main Results:

• A pair of sacral "ribs" were observed projecting from the left posterolateral sacrum, originating from a broad base.
• CT imaging revealed bilateral ossifications in the sacrotuberous ligaments and a bony protrusion near the ischial spine.

Conclusions:

• Sacral ribs are rare congenital anomalies that may be underreported due to their often asymptomatic nature.
• Detailed anatomical description and advanced imaging are crucial for accurate identification and understanding of these rare pelvic bony variations.