Inflammation of the costal cartilage, most often in the 2nd-4th ribs and often unilateral, is associated with pain in the sternum, with significant tenderness, and often with significant subcutaneous swelling at the junction of the ribs and the sternum. The inflammation of the costal cartilage may later radiate to the shoulders, bilateral axillae, and both sides of the sternum. Most of these inflammations of the costal cartilage are directly related to infections of respiratory diseases, chronic strain of the costal cartilage, or thoracic surgery. The prognosis is good.