First rib fracture of unknown etiology: a case report.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the case of a patient with a first rib fracture discovered with advanced imaging once the patient did not respond to an initial course of care.

Clinical Features: A 24-year-old otherwise healthy male electrician had medial scapular, upper thoracic, and sternal pain while using a power drill in the overhead position.

Intervention And Outcome: An initial trial of treatments consisting of spinal manipulation and modalities failed to alleviate the patient's symptoms.