Relation between Thoracic Angle and Costochondritis in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine is frequently observed in the musculoskeletal system of women after menopause. It may also impact anterior chest wall discomfort, such as costochondritis. In addition, the inflammation of the costochondral joints and the thoracic curvature are associated; however, the association is not well established. Objective: Determine the association between the angle of thoracic kyphosis and the degree of costochondritis among postmenopausal women. Methods: The cross-sectional observational study included 270 participants, aged between 50 and 60 years, who were screened for kyphosis. The curvature was evaluated with an inclinometer. An orthopedist diagnosed osteochondritis clinically using established criteria, and pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The linear relationships and multiple regressions were also done with adjustments for Results: There was a meaningful, strong positive relationship between the angle of thoracic kyphosis and the severity of costochondritis (r=0.852, p<0.001). VAS scores were also higher in subjects with hyperkyphosis. The relation was unconditional of confounding factors, such as BMI.Conclusion: The amount of costochondral pain increases with the degree of thoracic kyphosis in postmenopausal women.