What Causes Bulging Of Ribs In An Infant?

Posted on Tue, 4 Nov 2014

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

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 Answered on

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Infant has protrusion/bulge of the ribs aside of the sternum/ xiphoid process. Almost looks like the ribs are raised higher then the opposite side. Not showing any signs of discomfort or pain when touched or when coughing or sneezing. Eating, sleeping, etc have remained normal as well. What could this be?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be rickets (vitamin D deficiency)

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. This could be rickets a disease due to deficiency of vitamin D and needs blood examination like serum calcium, vitamin D and alkaline phosphates beside physical examination to confirm. This is a non serious treatable condition by calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
To help you better please send the picture if possible.
You may visit orthopaedic surgeon/Paediatrician they will help.
Hope this suffices and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (6 minutes later)

Baby is 6months old - does it occurr this young?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,it may but needs physical examination

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you.
Yes,it may occur at this age,though uncommon.Hence,needs physical examination to confirm.Meanwhile,the baby should sleep on back most of the time and not on sides.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (15 minutes later)

Noticed a posterior spinal slant. The anterior rib lump is on the opposite side. Could infantile scoliosis causemalformed anterior ribs?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,it could be ;Needs physical examination

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
I have gone through your reply carefully and yes, it could be because of scoliosis (infantile). In this due to curved and rotated spine the ribs gets prominent on one side. You may send the picture if possible. This may be confirmed by physical examination. The best part is most infantile scoliosis resolves without treatment.
Hope this answers your query.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju