Intercostal space
 | |
| Wikipedia | |
Intercostal Space Key Points
- There are 11 intercostal spaces (12 pairs of ribs)
- Intercostal spaces are numbered according to the rib superior to it.
- The order of the neurovascular bundle is vein-artery-nerve from superior to inferior This runs under each rib.
- During chest drain/tube insertion the instrument should be above the rib to avoid neuromuscular bundle injury.
- Chest drain insertion should be conducted in the 5th intercostal space in the mid-axillary line.
- The intercostal spaces contain lymph nodes and muscle, aswell as the neurovascular bundles.