What is the Costochondral Junction?

The costochondral junctions are located between the distal part of the ribs and the costal cartilages, which are bars of hyaline cartilage that connect the ribs to the sternum. [

What is Tietze syndrome?

Tietze syndrome is a rare, inflammatory disorder characterized by chest pain and swelling of the cartilage of one or more of the upper ribs (costochondral junction), specifically where the ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum). Onset of pain may be gradual or sudden and may spread to affect the arms and/or shoulders.

What autoimmune disease causes costochondritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Costochondritis: What You Need to Know. Sometimes referred to as RA chest pain, this symptom can be frightening, but the cause is rarely serious. Costochondritis is caused by inflammation of the cartilage that connects your breastbone, also known as your sternum, to your ribs.

What virus causes costochondritis?

Costochondritis might be linked to specific problems, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Joint infection. Viruses, bacteria and fungi — such as tuberculosis, syphilis and aspergillosis — can infect the rib joint.

Where are the costochondral joints located in the body?

The costochondral joints are the joints between the ribs and costal cartilage in the front of the rib cage. They are hyaline cartilaginous joints (i.e. synchondrosis or primary cartilagenous joint ).

Why do you feel tenderness at the costochondral junctions?

The reproducible tenderness you feel when you press on the rib joints (costochondral junctions) is a constant feature of costochondritis. Without this tenderness, you are not likely to be diagnosed with costochondritis.

What happens when a person has a costochondral separation?

When a person has costochondral separation it can make you susceptible to costochondritis. This medical condition is characterized by inflammation at the junction of the costal cartilage and the rib.

What is the definition of a costovertebral junction?

Costovertebral Junction Definition. These joints provide stability to the upper back and chest wall. The joints are supported by ligaments, which add strength to the junction of bones and limit the motion of the joints in the upper back.