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Articular disc

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The sternoclavicular joint is divided up into two synovial compartments by an intra-articular disc. It is oval, thin and made of fibrocartilage.

It is attached to the:

  • joint capsule around its circumference
  • medial end of the clavicle posterosuperiorly
  • first costal cartilage inferiorly

The attachment and disposition of the disc permits it to function as a ligament, holding the medial end of the clavicle against the sternum and preventing it from riding over the manubrium. Also, it functions as a 'shock absorber' for forces transmitted along the length of the clavicle.


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