Articulations of the ribs: a pictorial review

The joints of the ribs are true articulations and may be involved by local or general affections of the skeleton. Scoliosis, kyphosis, infections, arthritis (local or general types) may result in fibrosis, abnormal configuration, or ankylosis of the joints in question. In certain types of fractures of the dorsal vertebrae, disruption of the contiguous rib articulations may result in fibrosis or bony depositions and secondarily aid in local stabilization of the fracture. Narrowing of the intercostal spaces, as noted in kyphosis, scoliosis, and arthritis of the dorsal region, does not seem to be routinely associated with clinical findings of intercostal neuralgia.