Sternal End Of The Clavicle

Description

Sternal (medial) end of the clavicle forms a broad, saddle-shaped articular facet that faces medially and slightly inferiorly toward the clavicular notch of the manubrium. Adjacent to the articular surface, the roughened inferior impression for the costoclavicular ligament sits just lateral to the joint line, while the smoother anterior and posterior margins transition into the clavicular shaft as it courses laterally toward the acromial end. Along the superior border, the medial clavicle lies in close relationship to the interclavicular ligament spanning toward the contralateral side. Anatomically, the sternoclavicular joint is the only true synovial articulation connecting the upper limb to the axial skeleton, and the medial clavicular contour and ligamentous attachment sites largely explain why posterior sternoclavicular dislocation is uncommon but clinically dangerous when it occurs. A posterior displacement can threaten retrosternal structures including the brachiocephalic veins, trachea, and esophagus, so the ability to identify the articular facet and the costoclavicular impression matters in trauma teaching and preoperative planning. Surface detail at the sternal end also supports discussions of degenerative change and physeal injury, since the medial clavicular epiphysis is the last in the body to fuse and can mimic sternoclavicular dislocation on imaging. Use this illustration for anatomy lab materials on the pectoral girdle, radiology teaching files comparing medial clavicle fractures versus sternoclavicular joint injury, and orthopedic or sports medicine publications addressing sternoclavicular instability and reconstruction. A reliable landmark. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.