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[Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/)

# Interclavicular ligament

The interclavicular ligament runs across the top of the breastbone from one collarbone to the other; it steadies both sternoclavicular joints.

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## What it is

A band across the top of the breastbone joining the two collarbones.

## What it does

Adds stability to both sternoclavicular joints.

## Key points

- Spans the jugular notch from one [clavicle](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/clavicle/) to the other, attached to the top of the manubrium in between; it reinforces the upper part of both SC capsules
- It forms the firm upper edge of the jugular (suprasternal) notch, the landmark for checking that the trachea is central
- Divided at the start of a median sternotomy, after the space behind it has been freed by blunt dissection

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Between the sternal ends of the clavicles over the jugular notch

**Function**
Reinforces both SC joints

**Tight in**
Depression of the shoulders

## Relations

**Below**
Upper border of the [manubrium](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/manubrium-of-sternum/) at the jugular notch

**Lateral**
[SC capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-capsule/) and the sternal ends of both clavicles

**Superficial**
Suprasternal space within the deep [cervical fascia](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superficial-investing-cervical-fascia/), holding the jugular venous arch that joins the anterior jugular veins

**Deep**
[Sternohyoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternohyoid-muscle/) and [sternothyroid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternothyroid-muscle/), then the [trachea](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trachea/); the left [brachiocephalic vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachiocephalic-vein/) crosses just behind the upper manubrium

## How to find it

A fingertip pressed into the jugular notch, between the two sternal ends of the clavicles, rests on the band; with the head in neutral it is felt as a firm ledge at the top of the notch.

## On imaging

Usually not seen on its own. Plain films of the sternoclavicular joints are hard to read because [ribs](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ribs/) and [spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) overlap them; a cephalic-tilt view (serendipity view) is the fallback. CT with reconstructions is preferred to assess the joints and the jugular notch; MRI can show the ligament as a thin dark band over the top of the manubrium.

## Clinical notes

- In children the left brachiocephalic vein can rise above the jugular notch, a risk in a low tracheostomy and in dissection behind this ligament
- Torn with the [SC ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-ligaments/) in SC dislocations and included in their repair or reconstruction
- Cervical mediastinoscopy starts through a short transverse cut just above the notch; the finger then passes down behind the manubrium, in front of the trachea, to reach the paratracheal nodes

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Where does the interclavicular ligament run?

Across the jugular notch from one clavicle to the other, attached to the top of the manubrium; it reinforces both SC capsules.

## Why is dissection behind the interclavicular ligament risky in children?

The left brachiocephalic vein can rise above the jugular notch.

## At what step of a median sternotomy is the interclavicular ligament divided?

At the start, after the space behind it has been freed by blunt dissection.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
ligamentum interclaviculare TA2 1757

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Ligamento interclavicular

**English (TA2)**
Interclavicular ligament

## Related

- [Clavicle](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/clavicle/)
- [Manubrium](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/manubrium-of-sternum/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Sternoclavicular Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537258/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/interclavicular-ligament/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/interclavicular-ligament/