The costoclavicular ligament extends between the superior surface of the first costal cartilage at its lateral end and the posteroinferior surface of the clavicle which lies superiorly. Two discrete laminae are recognised and they are separated by a bursa:
These are homologues of the external and internal intercostal muscles respectively.
This short, thick, fibrous ligament has a key role to play in stabilization and movement at the sternoclavicular joint. It acts as a fulcrum so that all but axial rotatory movements of the lateral end of the clavicle are mirrored by the opposite direction of movement at the medial end. Its key function is to limit excessive superior, anterior or posterior movement of the medial end of the clavicle.
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