Overview
A costo chondral injection is used to treat chest wall pain arising from the joints where the ribs connect to the cartilage at the front of the chest. These joints, known as the costo chondral junctions, can become irritated due to strain, inflammation, injury, or repetitive movement.
When inflamed, the joints may cause sharp or aching chest wall pain that worsens with deep breathing, twisting, or pressure on the chest. A costo chondral injection delivers medication directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation, calm pain signals, and support more comfortable movement.
In some cases, the response to a costo chondral injection also helps confirm whether the costo chondral junction is the main 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 specialist consultation is required to confirm that symptoms are arising from the chest wall and that a costo chondral injection is appropriate.
What is a costo chondral injection
A costo chondral injection involves placing a small amount of local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with steroid medication, into the irritated joint or cartilage region.
The procedure is performed with careful technique, and imaging guidance may be used in selected cases to support accuracy. The aim is to reduce local inflammation and relieve pain so that normal movement and breathing become more comfortable.
The injection can also help confirm whether the costo chondral junction is responsible for the pain.
What to expect during the procedure
Your consultant will explain the treatment plan and answer any questions before the procedure begins.
- You lie comfortably on the procedure table
- The skin over the chest wall is cleaned and prepared
- Local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin
- 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 around 10 to 15 minutes.
After the procedure
After a costo chondral injection, mild soreness at the injection site is common and usually settles quickly.
- Temporary bruising or tenderness may occur
- Some people notice improvement within hours
- Others experience gradual relief over several days
- Normal activities can usually be resumed the same day
- Strenuous exercise should be avoided for about 24 hours
Your consultant may also recommend physiotherapy or follow up treatment depending on your response.
Benefits
- May reduce chest wall pain linked to costo chondral irritation
- Targets inflammation directly at the source of pain
- Can improve breathing comfort and movement
- May reduce reliance on medication
- Minimally invasive with a short recovery period
Possible risks and side effects
Costo chondral injections are generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians, but all procedures carry some risk.
- Temporary soreness or bruising
- Mild swelling or tenderness
- Light headedness
- Infection which is rare
- Bleeding which is uncommon
Your consultant will discuss the potential risks and expected benefits during your assessment.
When to consider other options
If symptoms persist or the injection provides limited benefit, other treatment options may be discussed. These may include trigger point injection, assessment of referred pain from the thoracic spine, medication review, physiotherapy, or combined approaches for more complex chest wall pain.
Safety note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinning medication, have allergies, diabetes, active infection, are pregnant, or have had previous reactions to local anaesthetic. Depending on the medicines used, you may need someone to accompany you home.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether a costo chondral injection may be appropriate for your chest wall pain.
You can also explore our chest pain treatments, view all pain treatments, or learn more about related care within our pain management services.