Costovertebral (rib) joints are just starting to be recognized as a source of pain. A recent provocative study demonstrated their referral patterns
BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008 Oct 15;9(1):140.
Thoracic costotransverse joint pain Patterns: a study in normal volunteers. Young BA, Gill HE, Wainner RS, Flynn TW. abstract
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Comment – It is interesting how big T2 represents – It has an upper and lower representation. Would have been nice to see referral from T1.Costovertebral pain may be part of midthoracic spinal instability. Diana Lee published an article (and part of a book) on this subject which she rates as “Instability of the thorax can be extremely debilitating but is a treatable condition”.
Man Ther. 1996 Dec;1(5):234-241. Rotational instability of the mid-thoracic spine: assessment and management. Lee DG. abstract
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Although I have come across articles on T4 and T12 syndromes, I have yet to see much literature on rib pains that are not related to ankylosing spondylitis.
Any help here?