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Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs pull inward. The movement is most often a sign that the person has a breathing problem. Intercostal retractions are a medical emergency.
The intercostal muscles are the muscle bands that surround and span between the ribs that alternately lift and compress the rib cage in order to permit respiration.There are two distinct muscle groups: the external and the internal intercostals.he intercostal muscles expand and compress the rib cage to allow your body to breath. The intercostal muscles are those muscle bands that surround the ribs. Intercostal muscles respond to the contraction of the diaphragm.