We all know the word 'rib cage', right? But what does it actually do for our bodies? Have you ever thought about how important it is? Today we are going to talk about this strong cage that protects two of the most important organs in our body, the heart and the lungs. It is like the 'bodyguard' inside our body.
What exactly is a rib cage?
Simply put, the rib cage is a protective framework of bones that surrounds the delicate organs inside our chest. In medicine, we also call this the thoracic cage. Its main function is to protect the heart and lungs, which are essential to our life, from external dangers. Imagine, if we fall or hit something, how easily our heart and lungs could be damaged without this rib cage.
The rib cage is not just made up of ribs.
- Ribs: An average adult human has 24 ribs, 12 on each side. This number does not differ between males and females.
- Sternum: This is the flat, strong bone located in the middle of the chest and below it. It is where the ribs come in front and attach.
- Thoracic Vertebrae : This is the part of our spine that is related to the chest. The ribs start at the back and connect to these vertebrae.
All three of these together create this wonderful protective cage in our body.
Possible injuries and diseases of the rib cage
Despite being so strong, the rib cage can be damaged, painful, and prone to disease for various reasons. Let's look at each one in turn.
Congenital Rib Deformities
Some babies are born with certain changes or deformities in their rib cage. These can range from minor changes to serious conditions that can be life-threatening.
The main cause of this is genetic mutations . Sometimes these are inherited from parents. Other times, they can occur as a new genetic mutation, without any family history.
Some of these birth defects are:
- Having more ribs than normal.
- Having fewer ribs than normal (being born without some ribs).
- Having very short ribs .
- Unusually shaped ribs.
- Two or more ribs stuck together .
The table below lists some of the main medical conditions associated with such conditions.
| Illness | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Jeune Syndrome | In this condition, the baby's chest and rib cage become abnormally small, causing severe breathing difficulties and not enough room for the lungs to develop properly. |
| Spondylocostal Dysplasia | This is a very rare condition. It causes problems with the development of the spine and ribs. Symptoms include fused ribs, missing ribs, and a hunched back. |
| Spondylothoracic Dysplasia | In this case, the ribs are fused together at the points where they connect to the spine. This causes the chest to become very small, causing severe breathing difficulties for the child. |
How are these changes identified and treated?
Most of the time, minor changes, such as having an extra rib, do not cause any symptoms . They are discovered incidentally during an X-ray examination done for another reason.
But, in serious situations,
- Narrowing or small chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Symptoms such as abnormal swelling of the lower abdomen when breathing may be observed.
Ultrasound scans during pregnancy can sometimes detect these changes. If symptoms develop after the baby is born, an X-ray can confirm the condition.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Minor changes may not require any treatment. However, if there are serious problems, such as difficulty breathing, the child may need breathing support equipment.
One special treatment is the VEPTR procedure . VEPTR stands for Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib. This procedure involves implanting a titanium rib cage into the child's chest. This allows the child's chest, lungs, and spine to grow properly. As the child grows, the rib cage is surgically adjusted in length.
Accidents and other common medical conditions
In addition to congenital problems, various injuries and diseases can occur to the rib cage during our lifetime.
| Status | Description and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Bruised/Fractured Ribs | Ribs can be bruised or broken due to car accidents, falls, or any kind of assault. Sometimes, even a very hard cough can damage a rib. The main symptom is severe pain when breathing, coughing, sneezing, or moving the body. |
| Costochondritis | This is a very common condition. It occurs when the cartilage that connects the ribs to the middle bone of the chest (sternum) becomes inflamed, or swollen. It can be caused by a trauma to the chest, heavy lifting, or a persistent cough. Chest pain and tenderness when pressed are the main symptoms. |
| Pleurisy | There are two thin membranes that cover our lungs and chest cavity. We call these 'pleura'. When these membranes become inflamed due to an infection like pneumonia, they rub against each other and cause severe pain when we breathe. This is called pleurisy. In addition to the pain, you may also experience difficulty breathing. |
The most important thing is, don't always assume that chest pain is a heart condition. It could also be a rib problem like Costochondritis. However, if you experience chest pain, don't ignore it. It's always wise to see a doctor to find out the exact cause. If you have severe pain or difficulty breathing after an accident, it's important to go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Your rib cage is an essential protective shield that protects your heart and lungs.
- On average, a person has 24 ribs (12 pairs).
- Chest pain is not always caused by the heart. It can also be caused by rib conditions such as costochondritis.
- Some children may be born with rib abnormalities, most of which are minor. There are effective treatments for more serious conditions.
- If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or if you suspect chest pain after an accident, do not waste time and immediately see your doctor or go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
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