Ruling Out Danger.

Henderson, John M · Phys Sportsmed · 1992

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

In brief Thoracic pain can stem from a variety of causes, some serious, some less so. In active patients, the source is usually musculoskeletal, originating from the spine, ribs, sternum, or anterior shoulder, but cardiac and other visceral pathology must be ruled out. A systematic approach to obtaining a detailed description of the patient's pain and making an exact anatomic diagnosis can help the clinician institute the most effective treatment.