Musculo-skeletal   [back to the Category]

Stress fractures of the ribs   [read the french version]

Author :   Docteur Anne Thiescé

The possible aetiological factors of stress fractures of the rib comprise: intensive training, the practising of acrobatic "portés" in neoclassical choreography, exercises for making the trunk more supple and repetitive falls in certain contemporary choreography. These fractures are often bilateral. Fig 1.

The first rib is rarely affected. Its clinical translation, initially brings a cervical problem or a shoulder disorder under consideration. It can be caused by two actions, the sudden repetitive contraction of the scalenus anterior with the exertion of lifting weight with an arm, particularly when the cervical spine is in a position of hyper-extension, and the repeated contractions of the serratus during repetitive movements of horizontal arm adduction. Fig 2.

Bibliography:

Mikawa Y. and Kobori M., Stress fracture of the first rib in a weightlifter. Arch. Orthop Trauma Surg: 1991: 110: 121-122.
Thiescé A., Le geste dansé et ses conséquences en rhumatologie. Ed Laboratoires Ciba-Geigy 1996.
Thiescé A., Fracture de fatigue de la première côte, une localisation exceptionnelle en danse classique. J. Traumatol. Sport 1996,165-167.