Study of Scalene Tubercle and Morphological Features of the First Rib with Clinical Implications

Aim and Objectives: The study aims to study the scalene tubercle and morphological features of the first rib with clinical importance. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty adult human dry first ribs of unknown sex were studied. The morphological features studied were scalene tubercle, vascular groove, oblique ridge, tubercle, and the head of the first rib. The obtained data were recorded and analyzed. Results: Scalene tubercle was absent in 13.75%, rudimentary in 23.33%, and hypertrophied in 1.67%. Of 240 first ribs, 1.25% was found with the attached cervical rib. The vascular groove was absent in 11.25%. Oblique ridge was absent in 5.83%. The head and tubercle were observed to be rudimentary in 16.67% and 12.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The findings of the present study will be useful for anatomists, anesthetists, forensic surgeons, and general surgeons for the identification of the first rib and management of anomalies related to the first rib.