Upper limb

Sternoclavicular joint complex (Ligaments, capsule, and disc)

Articulatio sternoclavicularis (Ligamenta, capsula et discus)

Origin

Sternal end of the clavicle

Insertion

Clavicular notch of manubrium sterni and first costal cartilage; includes anterior/posterior sternoclavicular, interclavicular, costoclavicular ligaments and full articular disc

Function

Sole skeletal articulation connecting upper limb to the axial skeleton; costoclavicular ligament acts as the pivot/fulcrum for all clavicular excursions

Innervation

Medial supraclavicular nerves (C3–C4) and nerve to subclavius (C5–C6)

Movement & chain

Elevation/depression (45°/10°), protraction/retraction (15°-30°), and posterior axial rotation (30°-45°)

Palpation

Readily palpable at base of neck lateral to jugular notch

Clinical

Posterior SC dislocation is a life-threatening surgical emergency (risk to great vessels, trachea, esophagus); sternoclavicular hyperostosis/arthritis.

Segmental innervation

C3–C6

In clinical practice

Evaluation of thoracic outlet, manual SC joint mobilization, and postural shoulder girdle integration

Region in the model

Upper limb