Rib Bone Stress Injuries in a Novice Golfer With Chronic Scapular Dysfunction: A Case Report

Rib bone stress injuries (BSIs) are rare in athletes but have been reported in rotational sports, such as tennis or golf. Scapular dyskinesia is a well-established risk factor for shoulder injury, but its contribution to rib BSI has not previously been described. This case concerns a 25-year-old man with longstanding left scapular dysfunction, who developed progressive pain in the left medial scapular region 6 months after starting intensive golf training. Clinical examination revealed marked scapular dyskinesia, raising suspicion of muscle atrophy or peripheral nerve involvement. Shoulder and chest MRI excluded neuromuscular abnormalities but demonstrated nondisplaced BSI of the left posterior fifth and sixth ribs. This case report is the first to suggest scapular dyskinesia as a potential biomechanical risk factor for rib BSI in golf. It emphasizes the need to consider underlying scapular dysfunction when evaluating athletes with atypical thoracic pain.