Interchondral Joints

articulationes interchondrales

The interchondral joints are the articulations between the adjacent borders of the sixth to ninth costal cartilages, with a usually fibrous union between the ninth and tenth. They are small plane synovial joints held by interchondral ligaments, and they help form the costal margin while allowing slight gliding as the lower ribs move during breathing.

Anatomical Data

Structure

Bones	Costal cartilages of ribs 6-9 (adjacent margins) Costal cartilages of ribs 9 and 10 (usually a fibrous union)
Ligaments	Interchondral ligaments

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Movements	Slight gliding between adjacent costal cartilages during breathing

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Weak or torn interchondral ligaments allow the lower costal cartilages to slip and ride over one another, the cause of slipping rib syndrome. This produces intermittent sharp lower chest or upper abdominal pain, sometimes with a clicking sensation, and is reproduced by the hooking manoeuvre (pulling the costal margin forward). Treatment ranges from reassurance and intercostal nerve blocks to surgical excision or stabilisation of the mobile cartilage.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Slipping Rib Syndrome

Hypermobility of the eighth to tenth costal cartilages from interchondral ligament laxity, causing painful clicking at the costal margin that is confirmed by the hooking manoeuvre.

Interchondral Joint Sprain

Strain of the interchondral ligaments from twisting or direct trauma, producing localised costal margin pain worsened by deep breathing and trunk rotation.

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