Surgeons must be aware of the neurovascular bundle (Vein, Artery, Nerve - VAN) located in the costal groove. Incisions or chest tube insertions performed too high above a rib can damage the intercostal nerve, leading to chronic neuropathic pain or abdominal muscle weakness (if T7–T12 are involved).
The thoracic nerves are a unique set of 12 pairs of spinal nerves ( T12cap T 12 thoracic nerves innervation
Chronic pain along the course of an intercostal nerve. It is often described as burning or stabbing and follows the rib. Surgeons must be aware of the neurovascular bundle