Overview
The costo‑chondral junctions connect the ribs to the cartilage at the front of the chest. These areas can become irritated due to strain, inflammation, injury or repetitive movement. When inflamed, they may cause sharp or aching chest‑wall pain that worsens with deep breathing, twisting or pressure.
A costo‑chondral injection delivers medication directly to the affected area. The aim is to reduce local inflammation, calm pain signals and support more comfortable movement. This treatment may also help confirm whether the costo‑chondral joints are the source of symptoms.
Who this treatment helps
A costo‑chondral injection may be considered for people with:
- Localised chest‑wall pain made worse by movement or pressure
- Pain suspected to arise from costo‑chondral or sterno‑costal joints
- Discomfort following strain, coughing or minor injury
- Persistent chest‑wall pain despite medication or physiotherapy
- Symptoms that worsen with deep breathing or twisting
A consultation is required to confirm suitability and rule out other causes of chest pain.
What is a Costo‑Chondral Injection?
A costo‑chondral injection involves placing a small amount of local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with steroid, into the irritated joint or cartilage area. The procedure is performed with careful technique, and imaging guidance may be used where appropriate to support accuracy.
The goal is to reduce inflammation and ease pain. In some cases, the injection also helps clarify whether the costo‑chondral junction is the primary source of symptoms.
What to expect during the procedure
- Your consultant reviews the plan and answers any final questions.
- You lie comfortably on the procedure table.
- The skin over the chest‑wall area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
- A fine needle is guided to the affected joint or cartilage.
- A small amount of medication is injected.
- You rest briefly before going home.
The procedure usually takes 10–15 minutes.
After the procedure
- Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site is common.
- Some people notice improvement within hours, while others may take a few days.
- Normal activities can usually be resumed the same day, avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
- Your consultant may recommend physiotherapy or follow‑up treatments depending on your response.
Benefits
- May reduce chest‑wall pain linked to costo‑chondral irritation
- Targets inflammation directly at the source
- Can improve breathing comfort and movement
- May reduce reliance on medication
- Minimally invasive with a short recovery time
Possible risks and side effects
Costo‑chondral injections are generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians. Possible effects include:
- Temporary soreness or bruising
- Mild swelling or tenderness
- Light‑headedness
- Rarely, infection or bleeding
Your consultant will discuss individual risks during your assessment.
When to consider other options
If symptoms persist or the injection provides limited benefit, your consultant may discuss:
- Trigger point injections
- Thoracic spine treatments (if pain is referred)
- Medication review
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation
- Combined approaches for complex chest‑wall pain
Safety note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinners, have allergies, diabetes, active infection, are pregnant, or have had previous reactions to local anaesthetic. You may need someone to drive you home depending on how you feel after the procedure.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether a costo‑chondral injection may be appropriate for you.