Question:
Response:
A patient has an intrapleural fluid collection. A needle is inserted into the midaxillary line at the location indicated by the arrow on the rib cage in the photo. The aim is to advance the needle until fluid is aspirated. What structures and / or spaces will the needle most likely reach and / or pass through?
Costochondritis is a harmless, relatively common condition with chest pain as a symptom. It is an inflammation of one or more sternocostal or costochondral joints. The pain is sharp and localized and can be induced by pressure on the joint. Costochondritis is diagnosed in 13-30% of adults with acute chest pain (variation depending on study and patient setting). Source: Proulx AM, Zyrd TZ, 2009, Costochondritis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Sep 15;80(6):617-620. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html At which locations could the pain caused by costochondritis be localised?
A patient has an intrapleural fluid collection. The patient is asked to exhale. A needle is inserted into the midaxillary line at the location indicated by the arrow on the rib cage in the photo. The aim is to advance the needle until fluid is aspirated. What structures and / or spaces is the needle most likely to reach and / or pass through?