Sternoclavicular joint: MR imaging--anatomic correlation

Abstract

Purpose: To correlate magnetic resonance (MR) images of the sternoclavicular joint with anatomic sections.

Materials and methods: MR imaging was performed on 14 sternoclavicular joints in seven specimens from cadavers (three men and four women 64-94 years of age at death; mean, 84 years). MR arthrography was performed in four specimens (eight joints), after injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. After imaging, the specimens were frozen and cut into 3-mm-thick slices along the MR imaging planes. Images were correlated with the anatomic slices.

Results: MR imaging depicted the anatomy of the sternoclavicular joint and surrounding soft tissue. T2-weighted and proton-density-weighted images were superior to T1-weighted images in depiction of the intraarticular disk. MR arthrography depicted best the intraarticular disk and four of five perforations and delineated the joint capsule. All perforations also were depicted on T2-weighted images.

Conclusion: MR imaging allows delineation of all structures of the sternoclavicular joint. MR arthrography allows delineation of perforations of the intraarticular disk.