The vascular complications of cervical rib.

The consequences of cervical rib do not appear to be widely understood. Whilst most cervical ribs cause little or no trouble, and, at the most, require shoulder raising exercises, some are the cause of serious nerve compression and sometimes arterial compression. Much confusion has existed in the understanding of the vascular manifestations of cervical rib, and this confusion has often led to incorrect treatment with serious consequences. In this regard it is particularly important for the surgeon to deal with the diseased artery at the same time as the cervical rib is excised. Nine cases of cervical rib with arterial compression are reported. The importance of recognition of arterial compression, before surgery is undertaken, is stressed.