Costovertebral and costotransverse joints are the small joints where the ribs articulate with the spine in the upper back. These joints provide stability to the upper back and chest wall. Rib dysfunction syndromes may lead to pain between the ribs, upper back pain and discomfort. These conditions can be treated by inactivating nociceptors in the costotransverse joint capsule using temporary blocks with a local anaesthetic and an additional steroid, when necessary. A radiograph is required for orientation.
Reference
- Theodoridis T., Kraemer J.: Injektionstherapie an der Wirbelsäule. Manual und Atlas. 3. Auflage. Thieme 2017.
