Q&A

Where are the costochondral joints located in the body?

Where are the costochondral joints located in the body?

Costochondral joints (Articulationes costochondrales) The costochondral joints are joints of the thoracic wall that connect the sternal ends of the ribs and their respective costal cartilages. They are structurally classified as primary cartilaginous joints (synchondrosis) in which bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.

When did Alexander Tietze describe the costochondral junction?

The costochondral junction is where the ribs attach to the sternum (breastbone). A German Surgeon named Alexander Tietze first described this syndrome in medical literature in the year 1921. This disorder is quite rare, and its pain can start either suddenly or gradually and may spread to the arm or shoulder region.

What kind of pain is caused by costochondritis?

Costochondritis (rare plural: costochondritides) is a common self-limiting painful inflammation of multiple costochondral junctions and/or the costosternal articulation. There is usually a distinct absence of swelling and chest wall palpation usually reproduces the pain.

How is costochondritis treated over the counter?

Costochondritis is typically treated by medication or lifestyle changes. Costochondritis can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as: Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain and 13-36% of patients who seek medical attention for chest pain are diagnosed with the condition.

The costochondral joints are joints of the thoracic wall that connect the sternal ends of the ribs and their respective costal cartilages. They are structurally classified as primary cartilaginous joints (synchondrosis) in which bones are joined by hyaline cartilage.

What causes an enlargement of the costochondral junction?

Tietze syndrome is an inflammatory process causing visible enlargement of the costochondral junction. It occurs in a single rib 70 percent of the time, usually within costal cartilages of ribs two through three, predominantly in rib two. 1, 2, 6 Infectious, rheumatologic, and neoplastic processes may cause it.

What do you need to know about costochondritis?

Patient information: See related handout on costochondritis, written by the authors of this article. Costochondritis, an inflammation of costochondral junctions of ribs or chondrosternal joints of the anterior chest wall, is a common condition seen in patients presenting to the physician’s office and emergency department.