Ultrasound Identifies First Rib Stress Fractures: A Case Series in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes

Abstract

Isolated first rib stress fractures in athletes are thought to be rare. In this case series, three Division I athletes developed isolated first rib stress fractures over the span of one year, revealing that these may occur more often than previously understood. These fractures can be easily missed because of low incidence, lack of clinical suspicion, and vague presentation. Further, radiographs can fail to reveal such fractures. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of athletes with first rib stress fractures presenting with vague rhomboid interscapular pain. We also demonstrate that ultrasound successfully visualizes these fractures, thus offering, in the hands of an ultrasonographer or clinical provider trained in musculoskeletal ultrasound, an advantageous point-of-care screening imaging modality.

Effect of individualized narrative nursing mode on recovery of elderly patients with fracture complicated with cerebrovascular accident

“…Some studies have shown that depression remarkably affects the cognitive ability of many elderly patients with fracture complicated with cerebrovascular accident. [33][34][35] Foreign scholars have found that depression often experienced by elderly patients with fracture complicated with cerebrovascular accident will affect cognitive ability, and insecurity will coexist with depression. A high level of insecurity will also affect the ability of cognitive adjustment.…”

First Rib Fracture Presenting as Chest Pain in a Collegiate Basketball Player: A Case Report

“…As point-of-care ultrasound becomes more readily accessible, there is one case series that referenced the potential use of ultrasound as a screening modality for first rib stress injuries and fractures, but more research needs to be done on its effectiveness (18).…”