Costovertebral Joints

articulationes costovertebrales

The costovertebral joints are paired articulations between each rib head and the thoracic vertebral bodies, with most ribs articulating with two adjacent vertebrae. Combined with the costotransverse joints, they guide the rib movements of breathing — upper ribs move in a pump-handle pattern increasing anteroposterior diameter, and lower ribs in a bucket-handle pattern increasing transverse diameter.

Region: Chest

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Costovertebral joint dysfunction produces sharp, well-localised thoracic back pain that worsens with deep breathing and trunk rotation, mimicking pleurisy and cardiac pain in its presentation. The diagnosis is confirmed by reproduction of pain with posterior rib springing and relief with corticosteroid injection or spinal manipulation. Thoracic spondylosis and osteophyte formation at the costovertebral joints contribute to thoracic rigidity in older adults.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Costovertebral Joint Dysfunction

Restricted painful joint movement producing thoracic pain that worsens with breathing, managed with manual therapy, rib mobilisation, or corticosteroid injection.