Approximately 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 people are born with an extra rib, called a cervical rib. This extra rib develops at the base of the neck, above the first rib. It's important to note that the common belief that women have an extra rib compared to men is false. The presence of a cervical rib is a genetic mutation and affects both men and women equally.
Understanding Cervical Ribs
- Location: A cervical rib forms at the base of the neck, above the collarbone, in the cervical spine region.
- Prevalence: The condition affects a small percentage of the population, with estimates ranging from 1% to 3%.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: In some cases (about 1 in 10 people with a cervical rib), this extra rib can compress nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, leading to a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and hand.
- Symptoms: Many individuals with a cervical rib experience no symptoms. However, when symptoms do arise, they can include pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and hand.
Supernumerary Ribs and Rib Agenesis
While cervical ribs are extra ribs in the neck region, the term supernumerary ribs encompasses any extra ribs anywhere along the rib cage. Conversely, rib agenesis refers to the absence of one or more ribs. Both are relatively rare occurrences.
In summary: The presence of an extra rib, most commonly a cervical rib, is a relatively rare condition that does not distinguish between sexes.
