Etymed
osteochondritis
Definition
Inflammation of bone and cartilage, typically affecting the joints or growth plates
Clinical context
A 16-year-old male presents with sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing and coughing. Physical examination reveals tenderness at the costochondral junctions, particularly the 5th and 6th ribs. The patient has no fever or other systemic symptoms. This condition commonly affects adolescents and is often self-limiting.
Mnemonic
Osteochondritis = Osteo (bone) + chondritis (cartilage) = rib pain at junction