Costochondral Junction Bursa

bursa junctionis costochondralis

Small bursae at the costochondral junctions, where the bony rib meets its costal cartilage, reducing friction at these slightly mobile articulations during respiratory excursion. They are most consistently present at the lower ribs where greater motion occurs.

Region: Chest

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Costochondral bursitis contributes to Tietze syndrome and costochondritis, producing point tenderness at the rib-cartilage junction that worsens with deep inspiration and direct palpation. It is distinguished from cardiac pain by its reproducibility on palpation. NSAIDs, local steroid injection, and activity modification are effective. Ultrasound-guided injection at the junction is more precise than blind injection.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Costochondritis

Inflammation at the costochondral junction producing anterior chest pain reproduced by palpation, worsened by deep breathing and trunk rotation, most common at ribs 2-5.

Tietze Syndrome

Painful swelling at a single costochondral junction, most often the 2nd or 3rd rib, with visible enlargement distinguishing it from the non-swelling costochondritis.