63.Injury at the lower border of a rib will most likely damage which structure?

A. intercostal a. B. intercostal n.
C. intercostal v. D. internal intercostal muscle

ANS>B. The three structures in the intercostal space are, from superior to inferior, the intercostal vein, artery, and nerve. The proper site for insertion of an intercostal drain is superior to a rib, not directly at the level of the superior border but slightly higher to avoid the collateral branches of the nerve, artery, and vein. The nerve is the most inferior structure and thus most likely to be damaged by the drain (producing an anesthetic dermatome). In addition, the nerve is the least protected by the costal groove.

The intercostal artery (choice A) is the middle structure and thus is not the most likely to be damaged.

The intercostal vein (choice C) is the most superior structure and is thus the least likely to be damaged. In addition, the vein is the structure best protected by the costal groove (the further superior the structure, the more protected by the costal groove).

The internal intercostal fibers (choice D) will tend to be separated by the drain. In addition, the internal intercostal muscle is membranous (internal intercostal membrane) posteriorly, from the neck of the rib to its angle; therefore, many drains, when inserted, will not even pass through a layer of internal intercostal muscle.


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