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Review
. 2020 May;30(3):257-266.
doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000614.

A Case Series and Literature Review: Isolated Traumatic First Rib Fracture in Athletes

Britt Marcussen  1   2 , Matthew Negaard  3 , Robert G Hosey  4 , Milton Kyle Smoot  4
Affiliations
Review

A Case Series and Literature Review: Isolated Traumatic First Rib Fracture in Athletes

Britt Marcussen et al. Clin J Sport Med. 2020 May.

Abstract

Objective: To present a case series of 14 isolated traumatic first rib fractures sustained in sport and review the literature on clinical presentation, mechanism of injury, diagnosis, and management of sport-related traumatic first rib fractures.

Design: We compiled a series of isolated traumatic first rib fractures seen in 2 Division 1-associated sports medicine clinics. We also performed a literature search for additional publications of isolated traumatic first rib fractures in sport.

Setting: Patients in our case series were all evaluated and treated at 2 tertiary care center sports medicine clinics.

Patients: Patients were those who sustained isolated traumatic first rib fracture during sport.

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measures: None.

Results: None.

Conclusions: Traumatic fracture of the first rib in sport is certainly not a common diagnosis, but it is likely more widespread than sports medicine providers realize. Considering the diagnosis of first rib fracture for athletes with shoulder pain after trauma is essential for identifying this injury. Although more study is likely needed to make definitive recommendations on treatment and return to play protocols, the case series and literature review presented suggests that rehabilitation and return to play when the patient is asymptomatic may be appropriate care.

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References

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    1. Barrett GR, Shelton WR, Miles JW. First rib fractures in football players: a case report and literature review. Am J Sports Med. 1988;16:674–676.
    1. Breen KJ, Conneely JB, Winter DC. Isolated first rib fracture with minimal trauma. Ir J Med Sci. 2011;180:887–888.
    1. Colosimo AJ, Bruyne E, Heidt RS, et al. Acute traumatic first-rib fracture in the contact athlete: a case report. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32:1310–1312.
    1. Gamble JG, Comstock C, Rinsky LA. Erroneous interpretation of magnetic resonance images of a fracture of the first rib with non-union. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1995;77:1883–1887.

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