Sternal Articular Surface Of The Clavicle

Description

Medial clavicle anatomy centers on the sternal articular surface (facies articularis sternalis), the shallow, oval facet on the proximal end of the collar bone that meets the clavicular notch of the manubrium sterni to form the sternoclavicular joint. An oblique anterior-superior perspective typically exposes the facet’s slightly concave contour, with the clavicular shaft extending laterally toward the shoulder girdle and the inferior margin approaching the impression for the costoclavicular ligament. Just inferior to the sternal end, the relationship to the first costal cartilage and the superior aspect of the manubrium can be inferred from the facet’s medial orientation. Fine bony texture matters here. Clinically, this articular surface is where degenerative change and osteophyte formation can narrow the sternoclavicular joint and irritate adjacent capsuloligamentous tissue, a common pain generator in older patients and in manual laborers. Anterior sternoclavicular dislocation is usually obvious, but posterior displacement is the dangerous one, given the retrosternal proximity of the brachiocephalic veins, trachea, and esophagus; teaching the exact position of the sternal facet helps learners understand why small translations at this joint carry outsized risk. The surface is also a frequent point of reference when discussing the fibrocartilaginous articular disc and why the sternoclavicular joint behaves differently from a simple synovial plane articulation. Use this illustration in gross anatomy labs covering the pectoral (shoulder) girdle, in orthopedic or sports medicine teaching on sternoclavicular sprain and dislocation classification, or in surgical texts describing medial clavicle resection and joint exposure while protecting retrosternal structures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.