Sternoclavicular Articular disc

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Passive stabilizer of the sternoclavicular joint¹.

Anatomy

Based on cadaveric studies, the sternoclavicular articular disc is only “fully formed” in 50% of individuals¹. “Fully formed” is defined as extending across the joint and separating the joint into a medial and lateral joint cavities¹.

In general, the articular disc is flattened and is attached inferiorly on the lateral aspect of the clavicular facet and superiorly on the sternal end of the clavicle as well as the interclavicular ligament¹. Lastly, the outer edge of the disc is attached to the internal surface of the sternoclavicular joint capsule¹.

Histology

The sternoclavicular articular disc is composed of fibrocartilage

Function

The articular disc functions to strengthen the articulation and assist in shock absorption by increasing joint contact¹. The increased shock absorption is so effective that degenerative arthritis is rare at this joint¹.

References

1.

Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.