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Inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs with the sternum. It mainly affects the second and third ribs. It is most common in people in their 20s to 40s but, it can appear at any age.
The cause is unknown, although it may be associated with colds, intense cough, stress, alcohol, intense physical exercise, a thorax trauma, a viral infection or maintaining bad posture.
Its manifestations are severe, stabbing chest pain that increases when touching the area. It is rare from happening but, it sometimes can spread to the back and the arms.
Diagnosis is reached clinically through questioning and a physical examination.
The treatment's objective is relieving the pain with common analgesics.
- Christopher M Wise. Major causes of musculoskeletal chest pain in adults. UpToDate. Oct 17, 2015.
- Christopher M Wise. Clinical evaluation of musculoskeletal chest pain. UpToDate. nov 16, 2015.
- Tietze, A. Uber eine eigneartige Haufund von Fallen mit Dystrophie der Rippenknorpel. Berlin Klin Wschr 1921; 58:829.
- Aeschlimann A, Kahn MF. Tietze's syndrome: a critical review. Clin Exp Rheumatol 1990; 8:407.
- Bösner S, Becker A, Hani MA, et al. Chest wall syndrome in primary care patients with chest pain: presentation, associated features and diagnosis. Fam Pract 2010; 27:363.
Dr. Sara Vitoria
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