The sternocostal ligaments reinforce the anterior and posterior surfaces of the sternocostal joints where the costal cartilages of ribs 1 through 7 articulate with the sternum. They allow the slight gliding movements of the costal cartilages during breathing while maintaining the rigid anterior chest wall framework. Costochondritis (Tietze syndrome when there is visible swelling) produces tenderness directly at the sternocostal junctions that can mimic cardiac chest pain.
| Origin | Sternum at each costal cartilage junction |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Corresponding costal cartilage (ribs 1 through 7) |
| Actions | Stabilise the sternocostal joints during chest wall expansion and compression |
|---|
Costochondritis is one of the most common musculoskeletal mimics of cardiac chest pain, particularly affecting the second and third costal cartilages. The diagnosis is confirmed by reproducing the exact chest pain with direct pressure over the affected sternocostal junction. Tietze syndrome, a subset with visible and palpable swelling at the junction, is less common than simple costochondritis without swelling.
Sternocostal ligament and cartilage inflammation producing anterior chest pain reproduced by direct pressure at the costal junction, managed with anti-inflammatory medication and reassurance after cardiac pathology is excluded.
