[Vascular complications of cervical ribs. Apropos of 15 cases].

Anatomical, etiopathogenic, clinical, and paraclinical aspects of vascular complication of cervical rib are discussed based on findings in 15 cases. Emphasis is placed on the value of newly available non-invasive functional tests, such as computerized angiography and particularly ultrasonography, which can modify surgical conduct. Operative technique is described, and indications for surgery and short- and long-term results obtained presented. Evaluation of results reported in the literature shows that they were excellent in 75 to 93% of cases, recent studies indicating an even higher rate of improvement.