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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/)

# SC ligaments

The sternoclavicular ligaments hold the collarbone to the breastbone, the only bony link between the arm and the trunk.

Official name: Sternoclavicular ligaments

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## What it is

Bands in front of and behind the joint between the collarbone and the breastbone.

## What it does

Hold the only bony link between the arm and the trunk.

## Key points

- The posterior SC ligament (thickened posterior capsule) resists both forward and backward translation of the medial [clavicle](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/clavicle/), not only backward
- Anterior SC dislocation is far more common and usually benign; posterior dislocation is rarer but an emergency because the clavicle can press on the great vessels, trachea and oesophagus
- In people under about 25, an apparent SC dislocation is often a fracture through the medial clavicular physis, the last physis to close

## Key facts

**Attaches**
Sternal end of the clavicle to the [manubrium](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/manubrium-of-sternum/) (anterior and posterior)

**Function**
Stabilise the only bony joint between arm and trunk; posterior is the strongest

**Tight in**
Translation of the medial clavicle

## Relations

**In front**
Origins of the [sternocleidomastoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternocleidomastoid-muscle/) and the clavicular head of the [pectoralis major](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pectoralis-major-muscle/)

**Behind**
[Sternohyoid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternohyoid-muscle/) and [sternothyroid](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternothyroid-muscle/), then the [brachiocephalic vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachiocephalic-vein/), [common carotid artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/common-carotid-artery/), [trachea](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trachea/) and oesophagus (on the right, the [brachiocephalic trunk](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/brachiocephalic-trunk/))

**Above**
[Interclavicular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/interclavicular-ligament/) across the jugular notch

**Below**
[Costoclavicular ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/costoclavicular-ligament/) and the [first rib](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/first-rib/)

**Deep**
[SC disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-disc/) and the two joint cavities

## How to find it

The sternal end of the clavicle stands out beside the jugular notch; it rises slightly when the shoulders shrug and glides when they are pulled back. An anterior dislocation makes it prominent; a posterior one leaves a hollow, which swelling can hide.

## On imaging

Plain AP films are hard to read here; the serendipity view (about 40° of cephalic tilt) helps, but CT, with contrast when vessels may be injured, is the study of choice to show the direction of displacement and any compression of the mediastinum.

## Clinical notes

- Posterior dislocation can cause shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, voice change or arm swelling from venous compression; reduction is done with vascular or thoracic surgical support available
- Chronic instability is treated with a tendon graft in a figure-of-eight between clavicle and manubrium; any resection of the medial clavicle preserves the costoclavicular ligament
- Anterior dislocations are usually managed without surgery; a lasting bump over the joint is common but rarely limits function

## Test yourself

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

## Which sternoclavicular ligament resists both forward and backward translation of the medial clavicle?

The posterior SC ligament, the thickened posterior capsule.

## Which sternoclavicular dislocation is more common and which is an emergency?

Anterior is far more common and usually benign; posterior is rarer but an emergency, pressing on great vessels, trachea and oesophagus.

## Which imaging study is the choice for a suspected SC ligament injury?

CT, with contrast when vessels may be injured, to show the direction of displacement.

## Which symptoms suggest compression after a posterior sternoclavicular dislocation?

Shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, voice change or arm swelling from venous compression.

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

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
ligamentum sternoclaviculare anterius TA2 1754

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Ligamentos esternoclaviculares anterior y posterior

**English (TA2)**
Sternoclavicular ligaments

## Related

- [SC capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-capsule/)
- [SC disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-joint-disc/)
- [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/sternoclavicular-ligaments/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sternoclavicular-ligaments/