A Case Study of Right First Rib Somatic Dysfunction Diagnosed and Treated

Presented is a case, which illustrates the importance of recognizing that elevation of the first rib exists as somatic dysfunction treatable without surgery. Osteopathic physicians are taught that first rib somatic dysfunction can present both as a lone entity and at times can be part of a larger syndrome depending on severity and related conditions. Recognition and treatment of this somatic dysfunction can be accomplished cooperatively. This case illustrates through exhaustive workup that the diagnosis of an elevated first rib is clinically significant and palpable. Elevation of the first rib can be considered along with all other known disease processes, and with multilevel symptoms and signs in presentation.