BILATERAL FIRST RIB FRACTURE IN A DIVE WITH LIFE VEST

ABSTRACTFirst-rib fractures are uncommon and are generally related to major thoracic trauma: so much so that they serve to indicate the severity of the trauma. Isolated bilateral first-rib fractures without major thoracic trauma are rarely described in the literature. The symptoms may go unnoticed and be minimized, thus making this condition difficult to diagnose. The present report presents a case of direct trauma on the supraclavicular region with symptoms of contusion of the brachial plexus, caused by a fall from a jet ski while a life vest was being used. The literature was reviewed to show the various facets of the problem and the treatment for this condition was discussed.