Thoracic back pain in rowers and butterfly swimmers--costo vertebral subluxation.

Thoracic Region Pain in Athletes

“…2). Thomas [20] postulates that this may be due to forces of the serratus anterior on these ribs, and the weakest link may be the joint rather than the bone. Athletes with rib subluxations may be bothered by many of the same symptoms as those with stress fractures: pain with a deep breath, cough, sneeze, or trunk movement.…”

“…As the rib is relatively mobile, there may be forces generated in sports that increase the mobility of this joint. Rowers and butterfly swimmers seem to be at risk [20], and are usually affected at the sixth to seventh rib (Fig. 2).…”

“…Treatment for rib subluxation is manipulation of the affected rib back into place [20,21]. This is best done by experienced practitioners, but involves direct downward pressure on the affected area with the athlete lying prone.…”

Radiologic Imaging of Chest Injuries

“…It is thought that, during the recovery phase, the serratus anterior muscle contracts, resulting in laterofl exion of the scapula. When an unexpected force then is transmitted through the arms, the serratus anterior muscle can transmit this force to the ribs inducing a forceful movement (Thomas 1988 ) that can result in a traumatic (sub)luxation of a costovertebral joint.…”

“…This injury can originate especially in the recovery phase between strokes in rowing or swimming when the arms of the athlete unexpectedly hit water or a rough object as, for example, a buoy (Thomas 1988 ). It is thought that, during the recovery phase, the serratus anterior muscle contracts, resulting in laterofl exion of the scapula.…”