Costochondral Joint Injection

What is a Costochondral Joint Injection?

A Costochondral joint injection is used to treat refractory (not responding to other conservative therapies) cases of costochondritis, which causes severe pain. Lidocaine, or a combination of corticosteroid and lidocaine, is injected.

The Procedure

The area over the costochondral joint will be cleansed and the provider will numb the area with anesthetic. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy to guide them, the provider will insert a needle into the joint. They will then administer a mixture of anesthetic and steroid into the joint, before removing the needle.

The Risk

Costochondral Joint Injection

What is a Costochondral Joint Injection?

In a very small number of patients, there is a risk of damage to tissues in the area of the injection and, very rarely, a permanent increase in pain.