Costochondral junction lesions: A retrospective review of 126 cases, pictorial imaging findings, and a proposed age-based diagnostic algorithm

Background

Lesions affecting the costochondral junction are rare and present diagnostic challenges due to a wide differential diagnosis encompassing bone, cartilage, and adjacent soft tissue structures. This article summarises one of the largest published datasets on this topic from a single-centre tertiary referral centre, and reviews the existing literature to provide case examples and age-stratified diagnostic algorithms.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 126 cases identified between 2007 and 2024 from the institutional oncology database of a tertiary orthopaedic hospital, primarily receiving adult referrals. Cases were evaluated based on clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings using the local CRIS and PACS. Lesions were classified according to the 2020 WHO classification of bone tumours.

Results

The mean age was 49 (range: 7 to 85 years old). Of the 126 total cases, 42 cases (33 %) occurred in those under the age of 40, and 84 cases (67 %) were in those 40 and over. No malignant lesions were found in the under 40 years of age. Structural abnormalities predominated (65.0 %), followed by benign lesions (16.0 %) and malignant lesions (19.0 %), with chondrosarcoma being the most common malignancy.

Conclusion

Although most lesions are benign or structural, malignancy must be actively considered, particularly in older patients. An algorithmic approach to evaluation, incorporating clinical, imaging, and histological data, can support timely and accurate diagnosis.