Anatomical study of the sternoclavicular joint using high-frequency ultrasound

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether ultrasound enables assessment of sternoclavicular structures.

A preliminary study in 3 cadavers was followed by an ultrasound study, performed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists working in consensus, in 59 patients without history of trauma, surgery or pain in the sternoclavicular joint. The visibility, echogenicity and thickness of the sternoclavicular structures were assessed.

The anterior sternoclavicular ligament and the interclavicular ligament could be seen in all patients (mean thickness: 1.4 mm and 1.3 mm, respectively). The articular disc was clearly seen in 66.1% of cases, and shoulder antepulsion enabled analysis in an additional 20.3%. Intra-articular joint gas was frequent (33.89% of cases), preventing analysis of the disc in 2 patients. Only the superficial anterior aspect of the clavicular and sternal articular cartilages could be assessed. Joint effusion was seen in 6.8% of cases. Clavicular osteophytes, sternal osteophytes and bone irregularities at the anterior sternoclavicular ligament insertion were detected in 33.9%, 16.9% and 16.9% of cases, respectively.

The anterior sternoclavicular ligament, interclavicular ligament and anterior intra-articular structures can be visualized by ultrasound. This means of assessment may have clinical applications, particularly in patients with trauma or microtrauma.