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Movements

Authoring team

The sternoclavicular joint acts as a ball and socket joint because it is capable of three degrees of freedom of movement:

  • elevation and depression:
    • the axis of rotation runs through the costoclavicular ligament
    • the ligament acts as a fulcrum
    • consequently, elevation of the lateral end of the clavicle is associated with the medial end moving downwards and laterally
    • maximal depression of the lateral end of the clavicle is limited by tension in the costoclavicular ligament and the pull of the subclavius muscle
    • depression of the medial end of the clavicle is limited by tension in the interclavicular ligament and by the interarticular disc
    • the maximum range of movement is about 60 degrees

  • protraction and retraction:
    • again the axis of rotation is the costoclavicular ligament causing the medial end of the clavicle to move in the opposite direction to the lateral end
    • at the extremes, movement is limited by the sternoclavicular and costoclavicular ligaments
    • the total angular range of movement is 35 degrees

  • axial rotation:
    • possible due to the incongruous articular surfaces
    • not brought about by direct muscular pull but rather by the movements of the scapula which are transferred to the clavicle by the action of the coracoclavicular ligaments
    • the axis of rotation is through the centre of the articular surface
    • the total angular range of movement is about 40 degrees

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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