
What is the sternoclavicular joint in anatomy?
Anatomy. The sternoclavicular joint, sometimes referred to as the SC joint, is one of the three main joints associated with the shoulder girdle. The SC joint attaches the collarbone to the breastbone via four ligaments and links the bones of the upper arm and shoulder to the main vertical skeleton.
What is sternoclavicular degeneration?
Sternoclavicular (SC Joint Disorders. The SC joint can also be damaged over time, as the protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones gradually wears away. This type of degenerative change in the joint can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced motion in the shoulder and arm.
What is the function of the sternoclavicular ligament?
It is a very strong ligament and is the main stabilising force for the joint, resisting elevation of the pectoral girdle. The sternoclavicular and interclavicular ligaments can be considered to be thickenings of the joint capsule. Arterial supply to the sternoclavicular joint is from the internal thoracic artery and the suprascapular artery.
What are the different types of sternoclavicular joint disorders?
Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint Disorders 1 Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative "wear and tear" type of arthritis... 2 Other Disorders. In addition, some patients may experience slight movement or popping of the bone out... 3 Physical Examination. Your doctor will talk with you about your medical history and general health...

What type of joint is the sternoclavicular joints?
synovial jointThe sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a saddle-shaped, synovial joint that serves as the primary skeletal connection between the axial skeleton and the upper limb.
What is the movement of the sternoclavicular joint?
0:002:10Sternoclavicular Joint - Location & Movements - Human AnatomyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHey everyone it's matt from kenhub and in this tutorial. We will discuss the sternoclavicular jointMoreHey everyone it's matt from kenhub and in this tutorial. We will discuss the sternoclavicular joint the sternoclavicular joint is an important part of the shoulder girdle it is a synovial joint
What forms the sternoclavicular joint?
The Sternoclavicular Joint (SC joint) is formed from the articulation of the medial aspect of the clavicle and the manubrium of the sternum.
Which classification of joint are sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joints?
synovial jointsAnswer and Explanation: Sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular are a) synovial joints. The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is the articulation of the manubrium of the sternum and the medial aspect of the clavicle and is considered a synovial saddle joint.
What type of joint is the clavicle and scapula articulation?
The AC Joint is formed by the junction of the lateral clavicle and the acromion process of the scapula and is a gliding, or plane style synovial joint. The AC Joint attaches the scapula to the clavicle and serves as the main articulation that suspends the upper extremity from the trunk.
What movements normally occur at the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the articulation between the two bones of pectoral girdle; the clavicle and scapula....Acromioclavicular (AC) joint.TypeSynovial plane joint; multiaxialMovementsProtraction - retraction Elevation - depression Axial rotation4 more rows•May 11, 2020
Is the sternoclavicular joint biaxial?
The sternoclavicular joint is a synovial, diarthrotic, biaxial, saddle joint. It allows: Elevation/Depression of the clavicle.
What type of joint is the glenohumeral joint?
ball-and-socket jointThe glenohumeral joint is structurally a ball-and-socket joint and functionally is considered a diarthrodial, multiaxial, joint. [1] The glenohumeral articulation involves the humeral head with the glenoid cavity of the scapula, and it represents the major articulation of the shoulder girdle.
How many ligaments support the sternoclavicular joint?
Most of the sternoclavicular joint's strength and stability originates from the surrounding joint capsule and is reinforced by four ligaments. The capsule surrounding the joint is weakest inferiorly, while it is reinforced on the superior, anterior and posterior aspects by the various ligaments.
Where is the sternoclavicular joint?
The sternoclavicular joint or sternoclavicular articulation is the joint between the manubrium of the sternum and the clavicle bone. It is structurally classed as a synovial plane joint and functionally classed as a diarthrosis and multiaxial joint.Sternoclavicular joint - Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Sternoclavicular_jointhttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Sternoclavicular_jointSearch for: Where is the sternoclavicular joint?
What Condyloid joint?
The wrist joint also referred to as the radiocarpal joint is a condyloid synovial joint of the distal upper limb that connects and serves as a transition point between the forearm and hand. A condyloid joint is a modified ball and socket joint that allows for flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction movements.Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Wrist Joint - StatPearls - NCBIhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › books › NBK534779https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › books › NBK534779Search for: What Condyloid joint?
Is the scapulothoracic joint a true joint?
The scapulothoracic joint is not a true synovial joint. Rather, the scapulothoracic articulation is formed by the convex surface of the posterior thoracic cage and the concave surface of the anterior scapula.Scapulothoracic Joint Pathology: Background, Anatomy, Biomechanicshttps://emedicine.medscape.com › 1261716-overviewhttps://emedicine.medscape.com › 1261716-overviewSearch for: Is the scapulothoracic joint a true joint?
How many degrees of freedom does sternoclavicular joint have?
The sternoclavicular joint is a diarthrodial joint with three degrees of freedom that is relatively immobile and incongruent. It is the only articulation between the upper limb and trunk.
What type of joint is the glenohumeral joint?
ball-and-socket jointThe glenohumeral joint is structurally a ball-and-socket joint and functionally is considered a diarthrodial, multiaxial, joint. [1] The glenohumeral articulation involves the humeral head with the glenoid cavity of the scapula, and it represents the major articulation of the shoulder girdle.
What are the three articular surfaces of the sternoclavicular joint?
The sternoclavicular joint is a connection of three articular surfaces; the sternal end of the clavicle, the clavicular notch of the manubrium of sternum and the superior surface of the first costal cartilage. The clavicular and sternal joint surfaces are convex and concave, respectively.
What is the synovial saddle joint that connects the sternum with the clavicles?
Sternoclavicular joint. The sternoclavicular joint is a synovial saddle joint that connects the sternum with the clavicles. It is the only true joint which connects the appendicular skeleton of the upper limb with the axial skeleton of the trunk.
What are the two sets of ligaments that provide stability?
Due to the lack of bony congruence, joint stability is provided by two sets of ligaments and the intra-articular disc. The ligaments are divided into; Intrinsic ligaments; anterior and posterior sternoclavicular ligaments.
What nerve innervates the sternoclavicular joint?
The sternoclavicular joint is innervated from two sources; superficially by the medial supraclavicular nerve (C3-C4; cervical plexus) and deeply by the nerve to subclavius (C5-C6; brachial plexus).
What is the function of the sternoclavicular joint?
The function of the sternoclavicular joint is to coordinate the movements of the upper limb with the core of the body. Thus allowing the upper limb to perform its full range of motion. Specifically, the movements of the sternoclavicular joint are sorted into three degrees of freedom; elevation - depression, protraction - retraction, ...
Which ligament runs from the sternal end of the clavicle to the anterosuperior surface?
The broad anterior sternoclavicular ligament runs from the anterosuperior surface of the sternal end of the clavicle to the anterosuperior surface of the manubrium and adjacent part of the first costal cartilage. This provides strong reinforcement to the anterior aspect of the joint.
Which end of the clavicle is larger?
The sternal end of the clavicle is also larger in size than the clavicular notch of the sternum, thus the medial end of the clavicle juts out superiorly above the upper border of the manubrium. Joint congruency is enhanced somewhat by the presence of a fibrocartilaginous intra-articular disc.
Why is the sternoclavicular joint important?
The sternoclavicular joint is required to accommodate the movements of the upper limb, and thus has a high degree of mobility. However, it also requires much stability, as it is the only connection between the upper limb and the axial skeleton.
Which joint provides stability?
The ligaments of the sternoclavicular joint provide much of its stability. There are four major ligaments:
What is the function of the costoclavicular ligament?
The costoclavicular ligament acts as a pivot for movements of the clavicle. You can feel this if you palpate the sternal end of your clavicle and shrug your shoulders, you should feel the sternal end moving inferiorly.
What is joint capsule?
Joint Capsule. The joint capsule consists of a fibrous outer layer, and inner synovial membrane. The fibrous layer extends from the epiphysis of the sternal end of the clavicle, to the borders of the articular surfaces and the articular disc.
Which ligaments are used to strengthen the capsule?
There are four major ligaments: Sternoclavicular ligaments (anterior and posterior) – these strengthen the joint capsule anteriorly and posteriorly. Interclavicular ligament – this spans the gap between the sternal ends of each clavicle and reinforces the joint capsule superiorly.
Which ligament binds the 1st rib?
Costoclavicular ligament – the two parts of this ligament (often separated by a bursa) bind at the 1st rib and cartilage inferiorly and to the anterior and posterior borders of the clavicle superiorly. It is a very strong ligament and is the main stabilising force for the joint, resisting elevation of the pectoral girdle.
What is the protraction of the shoulders?
Protraction of the shoulders – moving the shoulder girdle anteriorly. Retraction of the shoulders – moving the shoulder girdle posteriorly. Rotation – when the arm is raised over the head by flexion the clavicle rotates passively as the scapula rotates.
Where is the sternoclavicular joint?
The sternoclavicular joint is easily located just lateral to the notch of the sternum (Fig. 9-5 ). Many times the sternoclavicular joint is slightly dislocated, providing a source of pain and making it easily palpable because the proximal clavicle may be slightly elevated in relationship to the sternum. This joint is small and may be difficult to inject unless a 25- or 27-gauge needle is used. Great care should be taken that these injections into the sternoclavicular area are done superficially because immediately posterior to the sternoclavicular joint are the brachiocephalic veins.
Why is the sternoclavicular joint poorly understood?
The sterno-clavicular joint seems poorly understood and more poorly researched, but it is accepted that this is, in part, due to the rarity of significant injury to the joint. However, as physical therapists continue to gain the privilege of direct access to patients it is essential they become aware of how to differentiate between pathological conditions of this joint that may be either health or life threatening demanding a medical consult or that require a physical therapy intervention. Also, much more work is required by all interested parties to investigate the biomechanical role of the thorax in sterno-clavicular joint function and its potential patho-biomechanical interaction with upper limb function.
What is the SC joint?
The SC joint structure is a saddle joint with concave and convex surfaces on each of the joint’s articular surfaces ( Fig. 4.7 ). This conformation allows the clavicle to move in all three planes. Motions include elevation and depression, protraction and retraction, and axial rotation ( Fig. 4.8 ).
What is the most frequently moved joint in the body?
The sternoclavicular joint is the most frequently moved, nonaxial joint in the body.40 It acts similar to a ball and socket joint, allowing for motion in almost all planes, including rotation. In normal shoulder motion, the joint accounts for 30° to 35° of upward elevation, 35° of combined forward and backward movement, and 45° to 50° of rotation about the long axis of the clavicle and sternoclavicular joint . 28,41,42 It is important that clinicians appreciate that almost all motions of the upper extremity impact the sternoclavicular joint and conversely that motion at the sternoclavicular joint influences movement distally, along the upper extremity kinetic chain.
What is sternoclavicular joint instability?
Sternoclavicular joint instability, like glenohumeral joint instability, is classified by severity (subluxation vs dislocation), direction (anterior or posterior), and mechanism of injury (traumatic or atraumatic). Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation represents an orthopedic emergency because of the potential for damage to the mediastinal contents. Athletes with suspected sternoclavicular joint dislocation should undergo emergency transportation to the hospital for assessment and imaging, and CT is required, with assessment of vasculature for posterior dislocations. Team physicians should be especially vigilant for this injury because it may be difficult to determine on the field whether the dislocation is anterior or posterior.
What are the treatment options for SCJ injuries?
Treatment of most anterior dislocations is nonoperative with good outcomes. In cases of failed nonoperative treatment, ligament reconstruction or medial clavicle resection are treatment options. Posterior dislocations are treated with closed reduction, which is successful in most cases. Open reduction may be required when closed reduction is unsuccessful. The surgeon should be familiar with the anatomy and proximity of vital structures prior to treating these injuries as catastrophic complications can occur. The current treatment recommendations for SCJ injuries are based on the anecdotal evidence and limited cases series. Additional research is needed to determine the best practices for the treatment of SCJ trauma.
What happens to the clavicle during elevation?
During elevation, the clavicle rotates upward on the manubrium and produces an inferior glide to maintain joint contact. The reverse actions happen when the clavicle is depressed. The motions are usually associated with elevation and depression of the scapula. The elevation is assumed to be 45 degrees and the depression to be 10 degrees.
What is the articulation of the clavicle and the manubrium of the sternum?
The Sternoclavicular Joint (SC joint) is formed from the articulation of the medial aspect of the clavicle and the manubrium of the sternum. The SC joint is the only true articulation connecting the upper limb to the axial skeleton, and that it’s the least constricted joint in the human body.
What is the sternoclavicular joint?
The Sternoclavicular Joint (SC joint) is formed from the articulation of the medial aspect of the clavicle and the manubrium of the sternum. The SC joint is the only true articulation connecting the upper limb to the axial skeleton, and that it’s the least constricted joint in the human body. It is one of four joints that compose the Shoulder Complex. The SC joint is generally classified as a plane style synovial joint and has a fibrocartilage joint disk. The ligamentous reinforcements of this joint are very strong, often resulting in a fracture of the clavicle before a dislocation of the SC joint.
How does the clavicle move when the arm is raised over the head?
When the arm is raised over the head by flexion the clavicle rotates passively as the scapula rotates approximately around 40-50degrees. This is transmitted to the clavicle by the coracoclavicular ligaments. this movement is allowed by the relative slackness of the ligaments in this position.
What is the interarticular fibrocartilage disc?
The inter-articular fibrocartilage disc separates the joint into two compartments. The first compartment lies between the manubrium and the disc and the second lies between the disc and the clavicle.
Which part of the sternum articulates with the first rib?
The manubrium is the most superior portion of the sternum which articulates with the first rib of both sides, the upper part of the second costal cartilage and clavicle forming the Sternoclavicular Joint. The manubrium is quadrangular and lies at the level of the 3rd and 4th thoracic vertebrae.
Where does the sternoclavicular ligament attach to the clavicle?
This ligament originates from the junction of the first rib and sternum and passes through the SC joint and attaches to the clavicle on the superior and posterior side. The anterior and posterior sternoclavicular ligaments restrain anterior and posterior translation of the medial clavicle.
What structures are involved in the SC joint?
These structures include the capsular ligaments, costoclavicular ligament, interclavicular ligament, and the intra-articular disc ligament.
Where is the costoclavicular ligament?
The costoclavicular ligament is a thick, robust fibrous band that inserts across the costochondral junction of the first rib and travels towards the inferior aspect of the medial clavicle to insert on the costoclavicular tubercle (see Fig. 8.1) [ 11 ]. The ligament is commonly described as being composed of two separate fascicles (anterior and posterior) oriented in a “twisted” configuration with an interposed bursa spanning between the first rib and the medial clavicle [ 14 ]. However, our recent cadaveric dissections revealed that the costoclavicular ligament may actually exist as a single ligament since we were unable to identify or separate the previously described anterior and posterior fascicles [ 11 ]. The costoclavicular ligament may be the most important ligamentous stabilizer of the SC joint in both the vertical and the horizontal axes [ 14, 15 ].
What is the articular surface of the medial clavicle?
The articular surfaces of the medial clavicle and the manubrium are covered with hyaline cartilage that eventually become fibrocartilage with increasing age [ 9 ]. Recent dissections performed at this institution revealed that only approximately two-thirds of the medial clavicle was covered with articular cartilage: the majority of this cartilage was found anteriorly and inferiorly where the medial clavicle was devoid of capsuloligamentous attachments (Fig. 8.3 ). This finding has also been confirmed by others [ 10 ]. We also identified a previously undescribed ridge that traveled along the superior aspect of the clavicular head of the pectoralis major insertion site [ 11 ]. This “pectoralis ridge” may prove to be an important landmark for orientation during arthroscopy or rotational alignment during open reconstructive procedures (see Figs. 8.3 and 8.4 ).
What is the medial clavicle covered with?
Approximately two-thirds of the medial clavicle is covered with articular cartilage. The forceps point to the pectoralis ridge which may be an important landmark for surgical orientation. (From Warth RJ, Lee JT, Millett PJ. Anatomy and biomechanics of the sternoclavicular joint. Oper Tech Sports Med. 2014;22 (3):248–52; with permission).
What is the SC joint capsule?
Integrated within the SC joint capsule are discrete thickenings that represent the anterior and posterior capsular ligaments. The anterior capsular ligament runs from an area just superior to the articular cartilage of the medial clavicle to an area just superior to the articular cartilage of the manubrium. The posterior capsular ligament is essentially a thickening of the entire posterior capsule and spans between the posterosuperior aspect of the medial clavicle to the posterior aspect of the manubrium. Several studies have shown that the posterior capsule is most important for the maintenance of horizontal stability, thus preventing anterior and posterior translation of the medial clavicle [ 12, 13 ]. The anterior capsular ligament most likely plays a secondary role in the maintenance of horizontal stability.
What vessels are involved in SC joint dislocation?
These mediastinal vessels include the subclavian vessels , the right and left brachiocephalic veins, the brachiocephalic artery and the left carotid artery (Fig. 8.5 ). According to Ponce et al. [ 6 ], the closest vessel lies approximately 6.6 mm deep to the posterior SC joint capsule (left or right brachiocephalic vein). In some cases, the subclavian vein may actually cross over the first rib along the posterolateral aspect of the costoclavicular ligament before merging with the brachiocephalic vein [ 14 ].
How much rotation does the SC joint do?
8.7) [ 19 ]. The SC joint also contributes approximately 50° of posterior rotation with every 35° of elevation, flexion and extension of the humerus (Fig. 8.8) [ 20, 21 ]. Therefore, surgical procedures involving rigid fixation of the SC joint have largely been abandoned due to the potential for poor functional outcomes in addition to the high reported incidence of hardware failure. Large resections of the medial clavicle have also been reported; however, this can result in uncontrollable scapulothoracic motion and, therefore, may require subsequent scapulothoracic fusion [ 22 ].
What is the linkage between the clavicle and the sternum?
The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is the linkage between the clavicle (collarbone) and the sternum (breastbone). The SC joint supports the shoulder and is the only joint that connects the arm to the body.
Where is the sternoclavicular joint?
The joint is located in the spot where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the sternum (breastbone) at the base of the neck. Although not common, problems with the SC joint can arise from injury and other disorders.
Which side of the clavicle is pushed forward?
Anterior—the end of the clavicle is pushed forward, in front of the sternum (breastbone) Posterior—the end of the clavicle is pushed backward, behind the sternum and deep into the upper chest. Although both kinds of dislocations are serious injuries, a posterior dislocation requires more urgent medical attention.
How to tell if you have SC joint disorder?
Symptoms. The most common symptom of an SC joint disorder is pain in the area where the clavicle meets the sternum. This pain will be present with a sprain but will be much sharper in the case of a fracture or dislocation—especially when you attempt to move your arm. Other signs and symptoms may include:
What are the most common disorders associated with the SC joint?
Injuries and osteoarthritis are the most common disorders associated with the SC joint.
How long can you lift after a fracture?
After a fracture or dislocation of the SC joint, your arm may be immobilized in a sling for up to 6 weeks or more. Even when the sling is removed, you will still have restrictions on lifting. For example, you may be restricted from lift anything more than a glass of water for up to several months.
What is posterior dislocation?
In a posterior dislocation, the vital structures behind the SC joint can be compressed, leading to life-threatening problems with breathing or blood flow. (Top) Normal shoulder anatomy. (Center) In an anterior dislocation, the end of the clavicle is pushed forward, in front of the sternum.
How to strengthen sternoclavicular joint?
Strengthening the sternoclavicular joint starts with range-of-motion stretches and your program should consist of shoulder stability exercises. Participating in a program to strengthen this joint may help you avoid injuries.
What is the SC joint?
Anatomy. The sternoclavicular joint, sometimes referred to as the SC joint, is one of the three main joints associated with the shoulder girdle. The SC joint attaches the collarbone to the breastbone via four ligaments and links the bones of the upper arm and shoulder to the main vertical skeleton. The intra-articular disc, costoclavicular, ...
How to strengthen shoulder girdle?
Slowly shrug your shoulders forward and up with a rolling movement. Relax, shrug and roll your shoulders backward and up. Relax and shrug your shoulders straight up. This completes one repetition. Kaiser Permanente, a health care organization, recommends performing 10 repetitions, two times a day to strengthen the shoulder girdle.
How to shrug shoulders?
Hold a weight in each hand, stand with your arms hanging by your sides and position your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly shrug your shoulders forward and up with a rolling movement. Relax, shrug and roll your shoulders backward and up. Relax and shrug your shoulders straight up. This completes one repetition. Kaiser Permanente, a health care organization, recommends performing 10 repetitions, two times a day to strengthen the shoulder girdle.
How to get a good arm flex?
Shoulder Flexion. Sit on a sturdy, armless chair with a 2-pound hand weight in your right hand. Start with your arm hanging to the right side of the chair. Keep your arm straight, palm facing to the left and slowly lift your arm up in front of your body.
What is the movement of gliding?
Gliding is a body movement term in anatomy. What is gliding? Gliding occurs when the surfaces of bones slide past one another in a linear direction, but without significant rotary or angular movement. If you wave your hand from side to side, gliding will occur as the carpal bones of the wrist slide over one another.
Where is the gliding joint movement?
Gliding joints occur between the surfaces of two flat bones that are held together by ligaments. Some of the bones in your wrists and ankles move by gliding against each other. Hinge joints, like in your knee and elbow, enable movement similar to the opening and closing of a hinged door.
How does the gliding joint bring about movement?
A gliding joint is usually classified as functional. Gliding joints move with a gliding motion. They are also known as either arthrodial joints or plane joints, and usually occur between flat bones that need to slide past each other in order to allow the desired motion.
Why are the movement of the gliding joint considered smooth?
The ends of the bones that a gliding joint joins are nearly flat or only slightly curved and thus facilitate the characteristic sliding, bending, and twisting movements.
What are the types of movements?
Types of movements in the human body Flexion Bending Extension Straightening Abduction Moving away from the reference axis Adduction Bringing closer to the reference axis Protrusion Forward 13 more rows
Do gliding joints allow flexion?
Gliding joints: only allow sliding movement. Hinge joints: allow flexion and extension in one plane. Pivot joints: allow bone rotation about another bone. Condyloid joints: perform flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction movements.
What is gliding joint class 6?
Gliding joints: The movement in this joint happens due to sliding of bones over one another. Joints between the rings of the backbone are examples of gliding joint. The wrist joint is also an example of gliding joint.
