Costochondral separation is an injury that occurs when one or more of your ribs separates from this cartilage. This type of injury is also called a separated rib.
What is a costochondral joint injury?
The costochondral joints are the joints formed by the ribs and the cartilage which attaches them to the breastbone (sternum). A separation of the bone from the cartilage is similar to a joint dislocation. This injury may also be known as a separated rib.
What is costochondritis (KOs-toe-Kon-dry-Tis)?
Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum).
What is costochondritis of the breast?
Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Which ribs are more prone to costochondral separation?
While the more immobile first and second ribs seem to be more prone to costochondral separation from twisting injuries (e.g. wrestling 10 ), the lower ribs can suffer costal cartilage fracturing more easily 1 and are more likely due to direct trauma 10 .
Is costochondral separation a sign of heart attack?
When a person has costochondral separation it can make you susceptible to costochondritis. This medical condition is characterized by inflammation at the junction of the costal cartilage and the rib. Some people feel that when they experience the pain on the left side of their chest that this condition causes is a sign of a heart attack.
How do costochondral cartilages fracture?
Costal cartilages can fracture due to blunt trauma sustained in high-energy trauma or a fall. While the more immobile first and second ribs seem to be more prone to costochondral separation from twisting injuries (e.g. wrestling 10), the lower ribs can suffer costal cartilage fracturing more easily 1 and are more likely due to direct trauma 10.
