The sternoclavicular joint has a critical role in the function of the shoulder, because it is a medial fulcrum of clavicular movement. However, the involvement of this joint has not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to examine the structures in the sternoclavicular joint and surrounding ligaments. 60 specimen shoulders from 30 cadavers (20 females and 10 males) were examined. In performing resections of the sternoclavicular joints, the muscles and soft tissues were removed carefully, and the ligaments were identified. The anterior and posterior sternoclavicular ligaments were present in all specimens. These configurations did not differ from specimens to others. In 17 cadavers, the interclavicular ligament connected the clavicles in the superior and posterior aspects, and covered the superior portion of the articular discus. Some fibers are attached to the superior manubrial margin. In 7 cases, the interclavicular ligament was located at the base of the sternal notch, and the ligament could not be found in 6 cases. In these joints, the upper part of the posterior sternoclavicular ligament was attached to the jugular notch of the manubrium. The stability of the sternoclavicular joint depends primarily on surrounding ligaments. It has been thought that the interclavicular ligament prevented the upward displacement of the clavicle during forceful depression of the shoulder. Our results suggest that the interclavicular ligaments are very variable in different individuals, and it is possible that disorder of this ligament potentially cause restriction of movements of the sternoclavicular joint and shoulder.
