Lumbar rib

Lumbar ribs (Lumbar accessory ribs) are an anatomical variation where an extra rudimentary rib is present in the lumbar region, typically arising from the first lumbar vertebra. These supernumerary ribs are relatively rare compared to cervical ribs and can be bilateral or unilateral. The prevalence of lumbar ribs is estimated to be around 2.1% in the general population, with a higher incidence noted in certain geographic regions such as Europe.

Lumbar ribs can be misinterpreted on imaging studies, potentially leading to diagnostic confusion or surgical errors, such as wrong-level spine surgeries. They are often associated with other spinal anomalies, such as lumbosacral transitional vertebrae.