Bilateral fusion of first rib with sternum

Received: 18-Jun-2013 Accepted Date: Feb 07, 2014; Published: 12-Jun-2014

Citation: © Int J Anat Var (IJAV). 2014; 7: 55–56.

This open-access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (CC BY-NC) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits reuse, distribution and reproduction of the article, provided that the original work is properly cited and the reuse is restricted to noncommercial purposes. For commercial reuse, contact reprints@pulsus.com

Abstract

Inlet of thorax is bounded by the manubrium in front, costal cartilage, first rib on both side and the first thoracic vertebra behind. A specimen of sternum fused with manubrium and xiphisternum and bilateral fusion of first rib to the manubrium was observed. The total length of the sternum was 17.14 cm. A sternal foramen of 6.77 x 3.47 mm was observed in the xiphoid process. The sternum was convex with maximum anterior convexity of 16.2 mm. It usually presents along with clavicular hyperostosis and is considered a part of SAPHO syndrome (Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis and Osteitis). This fused bony complex can cause restriction of chest wall movement and decreased pulmonary function. Thus dermatologists faced with patients presenting with pustulous and acne form skin lesions must be aware of both SAPHO syndrome and its effect on the sternocostal joints.