Is An Asymmetrical Rib Cage Normal?

Posted on Thu, 1 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Oct 2015 Answered on

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Dr., I have asymmetric shapes of rib cage. The right side is more flattened out, however the left side is less flattened out and feels bit raised on the lower side. I also have uneven chest muscles which I believe may be a reason for this. Could you please tell me how and where to diagnose this correctly? What are the options available to correct this asymmetry in rib cage ad pectoral muscles? I am Male 26.
Thanks. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
First get done chest x ray.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Asymmetrical chest wall has many causes like
1. Maldevelopment of ribs.
2. Atrophy of chest muscles.
3. Lung related causes like fibrosis.
4. Spinal pathology like scoliosis etc.
So better to get done chest x ray first.
And honestly speaking, if you are not having any symptoms like cough, breathlessness than no treatment is required.
So first get done chest x ray.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (32 hours later)

Thanks for the answer Dr. XXXXXXX As you mentioned, I do not have any cough or breathlessness. I also looked at my X Ray. The right side is slightly wider than the left side if I look closely in the X ray.

1) Does this indicate maldevelopment of ribs? Any solutions to sort this out as this is the most obvious reason I can think of.
2)Any solutions on how can I fix the atrophy of chest muscles?

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No treatment is required because you are asymptomatic.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
I can understand your concern.
Since you are not having any symptoms like cough, breathlessness etc, no need for any treatment.
And no treatment is available for maldevelopment of ribs or atrophy of muscles.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar