Most Common
Rib Fracture or Contusion
Referred pain from the Thoracic Spine
Sternoclavicular Joint Disorders
Less Common
Costochondritis
Sternocostal Joint Sprain
Intercostal Muscle Strain
Rib Stress Fractures
Fractured Sternum
Not to be Missed
Cardiac Chest Pain
Peptic Ulcers
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Pneumothorax
Herpes Zoster
Pulmonary Embolism
History of Trauma
Alleviating and Aggravating factors
Palpitations / dyspnea / diaphoresis
Cough
Symptoms of Reflux
Pleuritic nature
Always remember to examine the Thoracic Spine and Abdomen for Referred Pain
Inspection
From Behind
From the Front
From Each Side
Palpation
Chest wall for Painful areas
Palpate abdomen for tenderness
Auscultation
Chest for air entry and adventitious sounds
Cardiac exam (heart sounds)
Investigations
Chest Xray: To look for pneumothorax, rib fracture, heart size.
EKG:
Gastroscopy: If gastroesophageal reflux is suspected.