Pediatric ribs: a spectrum of abnormalities.

The manifestations of many congenital and acquired conditions can be seen in the ribs of children. Normal variants are usually clinically insignificant; they are occasionally palpated at clinical examination or detected incidentally at chest radiography. Signs of abnormality can appear in the ribs as variations in number, size, mineralization, and shape. These changes can be focal or generalized. Abnormalities detected in the ribs may be the initial indication of previously unsuspected systemic disease. The ribs can yield important diagnostic clues in the work-up of patients with congenital bone dysplasias, acquired metabolic diseases, iatrogenic conditions, trauma (especially child abuse), infection, and neoplasms. Routine evaluation of the ribs on every chest radiograph is important so that valuable diagnostic data will not be overlooked. The diagnostic information obtained from evaluation of the ribs can help tailor the radiologic and laboratory studies that may be necessary to complete a patient's diagnostic work-up.