The sternal end is the thick, rounded inner end of the collarbone, which sits in a shallow notch at the top corner of the manubrium of the sternum to form the sternoclavicular joint. It projects above the manubrium, helping to form the borders of the jugular notch. Its lower surface also touches the first costal cartilage, and the strong costoclavicular ligament anchors it to the first rib.
| Articulations |
|
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
|
| Ossification | The clavicle is the first bone to begin ossifying, from primary centres in the shaft in the fifth to sixth fetal week. A secondary centre for the sternal end appears in the late teens (about 18-20 years) and fuses with the shaft in the early to middle twenties. |
The medial clavicular growth plate is the last growth plate in the body to close, often not until the early to middle twenties, so many apparent sternoclavicular dislocations in teenagers and young adults are actually growth plate (physeal) fractures. Posterior displacement of the sternal end can press on the trachea, oesophagus or great vessels and is a surgical emergency assessed with CT. Its fusion stage on CT is also used in forensic age estimation of young adults. Swelling here can be due to sternoclavicular arthritis, infection (especially in people who inject drugs) or condensing osteitis.
A separation through the growth plate of the sternal end in adolescents and young adults, which often mimics a sternoclavicular dislocation; posterior displacement may need open reduction.
Backward displacement of the sternal end behind the manubrium after a blow to the shoulder, which can compress the airway and great vessels.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
