costovertebral joint

The costovertebral joints are the articulations that connect the heads of the ribs with the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae.

The first ten ribs have two joints in close proximity posteriorly; the costovertebral joints and the costotranseverse joints.

When the diaphragm contracts, the ribs are able to evert and produce what is known as the 'bucket handle' movement, facilitated by gliding at the costovertebral joints.

These articulations in the spine that are amenable to spinal manipulative therapy include the z-joints, the atlanto-occipital, atlanto-axial, lumbosacral, sacroiliac, costotransverse and costovertebral joints.

In some cases, those with involvement of joints joining the ribs with the spine (costovertebral joints) may have a limited ability to expand the chest to take a deep breath.