lisäkylkiluita

Lisäkylkiluita, also known as cervical ribs, are an anatomical variation where a person possesses an extra rib or pair of ribs that originate from the cervical vertebrae, typically the seventh cervical vertebra. This condition is relatively uncommon and is more frequently observed in women than in men. In most cases, these extra ribs are small and asymptomatic, meaning they cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during medical imaging for other reasons.

However, in some individuals, lisäkylkiluita can lead to a range of symptoms. These can include pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm, numbness or tingling sensations, and weakness in the affected arm. The symptoms arise when the extra rib compresses nearby nerves, blood vessels (such as the subclavian artery or vein), or both, creating a condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly, from mild discomfort to significant functional impairment.

The presence of lisäkylkiluita is often congenital, meaning it is present from birth, and is believed to have a genetic component. While they can sometimes be associated with other congenital anomalies, they are often an isolated finding. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. Treatment for symptomatic lisäkylkiluita usually involves conservative measures such as physical therapy and pain management. In more severe or persistent cases, surgical removal of the extra rib may be considered to relieve the compression.