Which ribs are most commonly affected by costochondral inflammation?

Which ribs are most commonly affected by costochondral inflammation?

• A. Ribs 1 through 3
• B. Ribs 2 through 5
• C. Ribs 4 through 6
• D. Ribs 6 through 8

Answer: (B)

Costochondral inflammation, or costochondritis, involves the joints where the ribs’ cartilages meet the rib, producing localized chest wall pain that is typically reproducible with palpation. The second through fifth costal cartilages are the most commonly affected because these joints endure the greatest mobility and mechanical stress during normal chest wall movement and deep breathing, making them the usual sites of inflammation. The first rib junction is relatively less mobile, and the lower ribs are less commonly involved, so the mid-chest region around the second to fifth ribs is the classic pattern.

Costochondral inflammation, or costochondritis, involves the joints where the ribs’ cartilages meet the rib, producing localized chest wall pain that is typically reproducible with palpation. The second through fifth costal cartilages are the most commonly affected because these joints endure the greatest mobility and mechanical stress during normal chest wall movement and deep breathing, making them the usual sites of inflammation. The first rib junction is relatively less mobile, and the lower ribs are less commonly involved, so the mid-chest region around the second to fifth ribs is the classic pattern.