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Book

Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Sternoclavicular Joint

Thomas N. Epperson  1 , Asa C. Black  2 , Matthew A. Varacallo  3
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Sternoclavicular Joint

Thomas N. Epperson et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a saddle-shaped, synovial joint that is the primary skeletal connection between the axial skeleton and the upper limb. A fracture of the clavicle renders the upper limb virtually useless.

The sternoclavicular joint is one of five articulations essential for the function of the upper limb. Several critical structures have an anatomical relationship to the sternoclavicular joint, including the brachiocephalic arterial trunk, internal jugular vein, and common carotid artery. Other structures include the vagus and phrenic nerves, trachea, and esophagus. Thus, in addition to its critical role in stabilizing and supporting the upper limb, the sternoclavicular joint and its component parts - the clavicle and sternum - play an essential protective role for structures entering the thorax.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Thomas Epperson declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Asa Black declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Matthew Varacallo declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

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    1. Kawagishi K, Tokumine J, Lefor AK. The Relationship of the Subclavius Muscle with Relevance to Venous Cannulation below the Clavicle. Anesthesiol Res Pract. 2016;2016:6249483. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Provencher MT, Bernholt DL, Peebles LA, Millett PJ. Sternoclavicular Joint Instability and Reconstruction. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 Aug 15;30(16):e1076-e1083. - PubMed
    1. Thut D, Hergan D, Dukas A, Day M, Sherman OH. Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction--a systematic review. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis. 2011;69(2):128-35. - PubMed
    1. Kiel J, Ponnarasu S, Kaiser K. StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): 2023. Aug 28, Sternoclavicular Joint Injury. - PubMed

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