Not Medical Advice: If you mean chondritis, it refers to the inflammation of any cartilage in the body.
If you are referring to the inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone, or sternum it's called Costochondritis.
Occasionally, costochondritis as a result of bacterial infections can occur in people who use IV drugs or who have had surgery to their upper chest. After surgery, the cartilage can become more prone to infection, because of reduced blood flow in the region that has been operated on.
Costochondritis has no definite cause. It can be viral, bacterial, and fungal.
The diagnosis can only be reached after excluding more serious causes of chest pain that are related to the heart and lungs. Any chest pain in adults is taken seriously and not ignored. If you are concerned, consult with your doctor.
There are many steps you can take to help prevent infection from bacteria. Practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing. Learn more about prevention of bacterial infection at Sharecare.com.