Costochondral and Chondrosternal Joints

Costochondral Joints

Costochondral joints are the primary cartilaginous joints between the anterior end of the rib and its cartilage. No chnages are observed.

Costochondral Joint

Chondrosternal Joints

• Between the medial ends of the 1st-7th costal cartilages and lateral border of the sternum is where these joints are found. Sternocostal joints is the frequent term used by clinicians.
• First chondrosternal joint is primary cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis) and doesn’t allow any movement.
• The costal cartilage of 1st rib is connected with manubrium sterni by a plate of fibrocartilage and thus it’s not a normal primary cartilaginous joint (synchondrosis).
• Second to seventh costal cartilages articulate with the sternum by synovial joints. Every joint has just one cavity, with the exception of the 2nd costosternal joint where the cavity is split into 2 parts.