Kostokondriitin

Kostokondriitin, commonly referred to as costochondritis in English, is an inflammatory condition affecting the costochondral junctions where the ribs attach to the sternum, or the adjacent costosternal joints. It is a noncardiac source of chest wall pain and is usually self-limited.

Most cases are idiopathic. Potential triggers include minor chest trauma, repetitive upper‑body activities, heavy lifting, or preceding viral infections. It can occur at any age but is most commonly seen in young and middle‑aged adults; there is no consistent gender predominance.

Symptoms typically include localized chest pain on the anterior chest wall near the sternum. The pain is often sharp or aching, worsened by movement, deep breathing, or palpation of the affected area, and may mimic heart‑related pain. Point tenderness at the affected costochondral junction is common. Tietze syndrome is a related condition that also presents with swelling of the cartilage.

Diagnosis is clinical and by excluding other causes of chest pain, particularly cardiac and pulmonary conditions. A history and physical examination are usually sufficient. Electrocardiography, chest X‑ray, and basic blood tests may be performed if red flags are present or to rule out alternative diagnoses. Ultrasound or MRI can be helpful in uncertain cases.

Treatment aims to relieve pain and symptoms. Most cases improve with time and conservative measures alone. First‑line management includes rest from aggravating activities, nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen, and local heat. In persistent cases, short courses of local corticosteroid injections may be considered. The prognosis is generally favorable, with recovery within weeks to months; recurrence can occur.