The costal cartilages connect the rib ends to the sternum (ribs 1 through 7) or to the cartilage above (ribs 8 through 10), providing the flexible anterior chest wall that allows respiratory expansion while maintaining structural continuity. They are composed of hyaline cartilage that calcifies progressively with age, beginning in the fourth decade and producing the chalky irregular densities visible on chest radiographs in older adults. The cartilaginous matrix allows slight deformation during breathing and protects against anterior chest wall fractures by absorbing energy.
| Articulations |
|
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
|
| Ossification | The costal cartilages are not endochondrally ossified in youth, they begin as pure hyaline cartilage and ossify progressively through adulthood from the periphery inward, producing the irregular calcification patterns of senescent costal cartilage. |
Costochondral junction pain (costochondritis) specifically involves the fibrous junction between the rib and its cartilage, producing a localised anterior chest pain reproduced by direct palpation that mimics cardiac pain. Tietze syndrome involves visible and palpable swelling at the affected junction, most commonly at the second or third costochondral junction. Progressive costal cartilage calcification in older adults occasionally fragments producing the loose chip fracture appearance that can be confused with neoplastic calcification on imaging.
Inflammation of the costochondral junctions, usually ribs 2-5, causing anterior chest wall pain reproduced by pressure.
A blow or twisting injury separates the rib from its cartilage, causing a painful click.
Painful swelling of a single upper costal cartilage, usually the second or third.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
