Sternoclavicular (SC) joint

a sellar (saddle) joint with an intra-articular disk

IL - Interclavicular ligament

SCJ - anterior view of SC joint and the SC ligament

The SC joint is functionally triaxial:

CLAVICULAR ELEVATION AND DEPRESSION OCCUR AROUND THE JOINTS A-P AXIS

The joint's AP axis is a line that connects two points (indicated on the figure by filled circles):

  1. the SC joint surface
  2. a point near the base of the scapular spine.

CLAVICULAR PROTRACTION AND RETRACTION OCCUR AROUND THE JOINT'S VERTICAL AXIS.

Anterior movement of the clavicle's distal end is termed "protraction," while posterior movement of the distal end is termed "retraction."

BACKWARD AND FORWARD ROTATION OF CLAVICLE OCCUR AROUND THE CLAVICLE'S "LONG" OR LONGITUDINAL AXIS.

Backward rotation is defined as a backward (posterior) movement of the clavicle's superior surface.

Last updated 11-6-00 ©Dave Thompson PT
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