[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) › SC disc [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/) # SC disc The sternoclavicular disc sits in the joint between the collarbone and the breastbone; it cushions the joint and stops the collarbone sliding inward. Official name: Sternoclavicular joint disc [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=upper_limb&select=sc_disc&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A disc of cartilage inside the joint between the collarbone and the breastbone. ## What it does Cushions the joint and stops the collarbone sliding inward. ## Key points - Divides the SC joint into two separate synovial cavities, one between clavicle and disc and one between disc and manubrium - Thanks to the disc, this saddle joint moves almost like a ball and socket: elevation and depression, protraction and retraction, and rotation of the clavicle - The medial clavicular physis, next to the disc, is the last physis in the body to fuse (early to mid-20s); before then an apparent SC dislocation is often a physeal fracture ## Key facts **Attaches** Upper-back clavicle to the 1st costal cartilage **Function** Stops the clavicle sliding medially onto the manubrium; absorbs shock ## Relations **Lateral** Sternal end of the [clavicle](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/clavicle/) **Medial** Clavicular notch of the [manubrium](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/manubrium-of-sternum/) **Below** First [costal cartilage](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/costal-cartilage/) at its junction with the manubrium; the [costoclavicular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/costoclavicular-ligament/) and [first rib](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/first-rib/) further out **Above** [SC capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-capsule/) and the [interclavicular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/interclavicular-ligament/) **Behind** Posterior SC ligament, then [sternohyoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternohyoid-muscle/) and [sternothyroid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternothyroid-muscle/), with the [brachiocephalic vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachiocephalic-vein/) and great vessels beyond ## How to find it The joint lies under the [skin](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/skin/) beside the jugular notch, lateral to the cord-like sternal head of [sternocleidomastoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternocleidomastoid-muscle/); with that muscle relaxed, a small hollow between the bulky end of the clavicle and the manubrium marks the joint line. ## On imaging CT is the best study for the SC joint and its relation to the vessels; MRI shows the disc, effusion and the medial physis. On plain X-ray the serendipity view (AP with about 40° of cephalic tilt) compares the two clavicle ends. ## Clinical notes - Septic arthritis of the SC joint is classically seen in people who inject drugs, in diabetes and with central venous lines - Disc tears or degeneration cause a painful click with shoulder movement; SC osteoarthritis is common with age and often painless - Inflammatory and sclerosing conditions, such as SAPHO syndrome and condensing osteitis of the clavicle, also involve this joint ## Development Forms from mesenchyme between clavicle and [sternum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternum/) that persists instead of being resorbed when the two cavities open (older texts saw it as the remnant of a lost skeletal element). The secondary centre at the sternal end of the clavicle beside it is the last in the body to unite. ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## How does the sternoclavicular disc divide the SC joint? Into two separate synovial cavities: clavicle–disc and disc–manubrium. ## Thanks to the sternoclavicular disc, which movements does the SC joint allow? Elevation and depression, protraction and retraction, and rotation of the clavicle, almost like a ball and socket. ## In a young adult, what can an apparent sternoclavicular dislocation actually be? A fracture through the medial clavicular physis, next to the SC disc, the last physis to fuse (early to mid-20s). [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-disc/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** discus articulationis sternoclavicularis TA2 1751 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Disco articular de la articulación esternoclavicular **English (TA2)** Sternoclavicular joint disc ## Related - [SC ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-ligaments/) - [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/); Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Surface Anatomy of the Upper Extremity (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): Development of the Joints (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): The Clavicle (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain. ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-disc/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-disc/