<unk> , also known as costochondritis, is a benign inflammation of one or more of the costal cartilages.  It was first described in 1921 by the German surgeon Alexander<unk>  (1864-1927).<unk>  and costochondritis were initially described as separate conditions, the sole difference being that in<unk>  there is swelling of the costal cartilages. It is now recognized that the presence or absence of swelling is only an indicator of the severity of the condition. It was at one time thought to be associated with, or caused by, a viral infection acquired during surgery, but this is now known not to be the case. Most sufferers have not had recent surgery.
It should not be confused with<unk> syndrome.
Tietze's syndrome
Liddle's syndrome
Bristowe's syndrome
Banti's syndrome
Grisel's syndrome
Dressler's syndrome
Zieve's syndrome
Lucey-Driscoll syndrome