Costochondritis
Costochondritis is a poorly understood condition characterized by chest wall pain (primarily ribs 2-5) originating at the costochondral and/or costosternal joints.
Demographics: Costochondritis is a common condition that occurs most frequently in women over the age of 40 years old.
Clinical Presentation:
Differential Diagnosis:
Must rule out:
Bottom Line: Costochondritis is a musculoskeletal disorder that can be improved with physical therapy interventions. However systemic causes of the patient’s pain must be ruled out before treatment commences. Confirming that the pain can be changed mechanically (ie through change in position or certain movements) is a useful screening tool.
Booher, A. M. and K. A. Eagle (2011). "Diagnosis and management issues in thoracic aortic aneurysm." Am Heart J 162(1): 38-46 e31.
Please refer to the "Costochondritis" section of the reference list
Demographics: Costochondritis is a common condition that occurs most frequently in women over the age of 40 years old.
Clinical Presentation:
- Unilateral costochondral and/or costosternal joint pain
- Pain may be aggravated by active ipsilateral shoulder adduction and ispilateral cervical rotation
- Pain may increase with manual mobilization of the costosternal joints
Differential Diagnosis:
Must rule out:
- Heart attack
- Angina
- Rheumatic disease
Bottom Line: Costochondritis is a musculoskeletal disorder that can be improved with physical therapy interventions. However systemic causes of the patient’s pain must be ruled out before treatment commences. Confirming that the pain can be changed mechanically (ie through change in position or certain movements) is a useful screening tool.
Booher, A. M. and K. A. Eagle (2011). "Diagnosis and management issues in thoracic aortic aneurysm." Am Heart J 162(1): 38-46 e31.
Please refer to the "Costochondritis" section of the reference list