Isolated fracture of a cervical rib: a case report

A case of isolated fracture of a cervical rib in a young woman is presented. The mechanism of injury was direct blunt trauma. Histological examination showed changes compatible with a previous fracture of the cervical rib. Literature concerning the incidence, complications and removal of these ribs is reviewed. Closely associated with this anomaly is the thoracic outlet syndrome, a differential diagnosis of which is given.