
What Causes Anterior Lower Ribs To Grow Curved On One Side?

Question: What causes anterior lower ribs (5th - 8th rib) to grow curved under/inward on one side in infants?
Brief Answer:
Pectus excavatum
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for posting on healthcaremagic. Ribs are normally curved structures. Excessive curvature could occur due to a developmental abnormality called pectus excavatum or even in case of conditions associated with kyphosis and scoliosis. The exact cause may vary depending on the specific scenario and may be related to vitamin D deficiency or some congenital diseases like connective tissue disorders.
Pectus excavatum
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for posting on healthcaremagic. Ribs are normally curved structures. Excessive curvature could occur due to a developmental abnormality called pectus excavatum or even in case of conditions associated with kyphosis and scoliosis. The exact cause may vary depending on the specific scenario and may be related to vitamin D deficiency or some congenital diseases like connective tissue disorders.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T


Its not pectus - the lower ribs protrude out from the sternum and then seem to have a down/inward curve above the false ribs. The 8th/false rib doesnt feel attached to the 7th. There is a dip under the curved ribs and then you can feel the 8th rib. What would causs this curving of ribs?
Brief Answer:
More details required
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
I have already indicated the possibility of vitamin D deficiency or some congenital diseases like connective tissue disorders. It could also be some minor problem with the costochondral junction. To be able to comment properly on the probable cause I would have needed to examine the child but that is beyond the scope of this discussion. I would also need the report of a chest x ray AP and lateral view.
Can you please arrange for the same? An image of the x ray plates would be even more helpful. You need not worry about the exposure to radiation as such a brief, single exposure would not be harmful for your child.
More details required
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
I have already indicated the possibility of vitamin D deficiency or some congenital diseases like connective tissue disorders. It could also be some minor problem with the costochondral junction. To be able to comment properly on the probable cause I would have needed to examine the child but that is beyond the scope of this discussion. I would also need the report of a chest x ray AP and lateral view.
Can you please arrange for the same? An image of the x ray plates would be even more helpful. You need not worry about the exposure to radiation as such a brief, single exposure would not be harmful for your child.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


Getting a chest x ray. Heres an example of what i mean - formula fed so I dont know if it would be rickets?
Brief Answer:
You need not jump to conclusions first
Detailed Answer:
It is no use assuming what it can or cannot be. Rickets can be due to vitamin D deficiency and most mothers and so also the children can be vitamin D deficient even if formula fed. The findings that you mention could also be simply a normal variant as well. Rather than postulating, you need to do what has to be done. Getting the child examined by a pediatrician would be the first step and the next would be getting an x ray done. Please comply.
You need not jump to conclusions first
Detailed Answer:
It is no use assuming what it can or cannot be. Rickets can be due to vitamin D deficiency and most mothers and so also the children can be vitamin D deficient even if formula fed. The findings that you mention could also be simply a normal variant as well. Rather than postulating, you need to do what has to be done. Getting the child examined by a pediatrician would be the first step and the next would be getting an x ray done. Please comply.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

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