Impression For The Costoclavicular Ligament Of The Clavicle, Inferior View

Description

Costoclavicular ligament impression occupies a roughened, oval to circular area on the inferior surface of the medial clavicle, immediately lateral to the sternal (medial) extremity and close to the articular facet for the manubrium. In this inferior perspective, the patch sits anteromedial relative to the subclavian groove (when visible), and it marks the site where the costoclavicular ligament anchors the clavicle to the superior aspect of the first rib and its costal cartilage. Medially, the contour transitions toward the sternoclavicular joint region; laterally, the inferior surface becomes smoother before giving way to more extensive attachment areas along the shaft. A tactile landmark. Clinically, this attachment footprint matters because the costoclavicular ligament is the primary checkrein against excessive elevation of the clavicle and a key stabilizer of the sternoclavicular joint, so its bony impression helps you orient medial-clavicle biomechanics in SC joint sprains and anterior or posterior SC dislocations. The inferior view also clarifies how close this ligamentous anchor sits to the thoracic inlet, where altered clavicular position after medial clavicle fracture or SC joint injury can contribute to costoclavicular space narrowing and symptoms grouped under thoracic outlet syndromes. Crisp surface texturing on the impression supports teaching the distinction between articular surface and ligament enthesis on the sternal end. Use this illustration in gross anatomy labs and musculoskeletal modules to label the clavicle’s inferior landmarks, and in orthopedic or sports medicine publications discussing sternoclavicular stability, first-rib relationships, and operative or imaging orientation of the medial clavicle (including CT-based assessment of SC alignment). It also fits procedural education where precise medial clavicle anatomy informs safe planning near the subclavian vessels and apex of the lung. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.