This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Sternoclavicular joint (anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The sternoclavicular joint is the only bony articulation between the pectoral girdle and axial skeleton on each side. It is a saddle type, synovial joint between the clavicle, the manubrium sternum and the first costal cartilage. It can be readily palpated beneath the skin directly lateral to the suprasternal notch.

It is a very strong joint largely as a result of a number of ligaments around the capsule. Hence dislocation is rare, the clavicle tending to fracture in response to forces along its shaft. A disc of fibrocartilage divides the joint cavity into two compartments.

Functionally, the joint behaves as a ball and socket system. The fulcrum for most movement is the costoclavicular ligament.

It is innervated by the medial supraclavicular nerve and the nerve to subclavius.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

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.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.