Ribs 2 through 7 are true ribs that connect to the sternum directly via their own costal cartilages, forming the anterior thoracic wall and providing attachment for the intercostal, pectoral, and serratus anterior muscles.
| Articulations |
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|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Endochondral ossification from primary shaft centres with secondary centres at the heads. |
Ribs 2 through 7 are the true ribs, connecting directly to the sternum via costal cartilages. Rib fractures from direct blows are among the most common traumatic injuries, producing localised tenderness and pain on chest compression from a different direction. Multiple rib fractures producing a flail segment require positive pressure ventilation support. The neurovascular bundle in the costal groove of each rib (intercostal nerve below the rib) is protected by performing procedures at the superior border of the rib below.
Blunt chest trauma commonly fractures the middle ribs, causing pain on breathing and a risk of pneumothorax or haemothorax.
Two or more fractures in each of three or more adjacent ribs create a free segment that moves paradoxically with breathing and is often accompanied by pulmonary contusion.
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