ANATOMICAL VARIATION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF ADDITIONAL ANTERIOR INTERCOSTAL SPACE

Pramila Padmini Mantraratnam; Narasinga Rao Bhattam

Volume : VI, Issue : XI, November - 2016

ANATOMICAL VARIATION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF ADDITIONAL ANTERIOR INTERCOSTAL SPACE

Pramila Padmini Mantraratnam, Narasinga Rao Bhattam

Abstract :

The thoracic cage in its anterior aspect is formed by 9 ribs and their respective costal cartilages of the first seven ribs and costal margin formed by the fusion of costal cartilages of 8th, 9th and 10th ribs to that of 7th costal cartilage. Thereby enclosing nine intercostal spaces in anterior thoracic wall. As a part of routine dissections of thorax, a 60 year old male cadaver presented ten anterior intercostal spaces . The additional intercostal space was a result of bifid six rib on the left side. Eventhough it is asymptomatic it may be associated with chest lump, Gorlin syndrome. Bifurcated rib resulting in additional intercostal spaces are important in thoracic cage surgeries, radiological interventions