INCIDENCE OF CERVICAL RIB IN THE WHITE BRITISH POPULATION AND DIRECT COMPARISON WITH THE INCIDENCE IN THE ASIAN POPULATION: A RADIOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

A number of studies have looked at the incidence of cervical rib in various ethnic groups, but have a number of limitations. This is the first large scale study looking at the incidence in White British with direct comparison to the Asian population. A total of 1545 consecutive cervical spine radiographs performed for any reason were collected and reviewed. 5.9% of White British and 24.9% of Asian patients had evidence of cervical rib. This was statistically significant (p< 0.0001, χ2 test). Asians are 5 times more likely compared to White British to have cervical rib (OR=5.303, 95% CI=3.825–7.354). An analysis of male Vs female difference as well as incidence of the various subtypes of cervical rib will be presented. We reccomend that the results of this study should

1. be considered in the assessment of patients with symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome,

2. taken into account during review of cervical spine radiographs and

3. included in anatomy textbooks in the future.