This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Movements

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The sternoclavicular joint acts as a ball and socket joint because it is capable of three degrees of freedom of movement:

  • elevation and depression:
    • the axis of rotation runs through the costoclavicular ligament
    • the ligament acts as a fulcrum
    • consequently, elevation of the lateral end of the clavicle is associated with the medial end moving downwards and laterally
    • maximal depression of the lateral end of the clavicle is limited by tension in the costoclavicular ligament and the pull of the subclavius muscle
    • depression of the medial end of the clavicle is limited by tension in the interclavicular ligament and by the interarticular disc
    • the maximum range of movement is about 60 degrees

  • protraction and retraction:
    • again the axis of rotation is the costoclavicular ligament causing the medial end of the clavicle to move in the opposite direction to the lateral end
    • at the extremes, movement is limited by the sternoclavicular and costoclavicular ligaments
    • the total angular range of movement is 35 degrees

  • axial rotation:
    • possible due to the incongruous articular surfaces
    • not brought about by direct muscular pull but rather by the movements of the scapula which are transferred to the clavicle by the action of the coracoclavicular ligaments
    • the axis of rotation is through the centre of the articular surface
    • the total angular range of movement is about 40 degrees

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.