Epperson Thomas N., Black Asa C., Varacallo Matthew A.
University of Louisville School of Med.
University of South Carolina Greenville School of Medicine
The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a saddle-shaped, synovial joint that is the primary skeletal connection between the axial skeleton and the upper limb. A fracture of the clavicle renders the upper limb virtually useless. The sternoclavicular joint is one of five articulations essential for the function of the upper limb. Several critical structures have an anatomical relationship to the sternoclavicular joint, including the brachiocephalic arterial trunk, internal jugular vein, and common carotid artery. Other structures include the vagus and phrenic nerves, trachea, and esophagus. Thus, in addition to its critical role in stabilizing and supporting the upper limb, the sternoclavicular joint and its component parts - the clavicle and sternum - play an essential protective role for structures entering the thorax.
胸锁关节是鞍状滑膜关节，是中轴骨骼与上肢之间的主要骨骼连接。锁骨骨折会使上肢几乎失去作用。胸锁关节是上肢功能所必需的五个关节之一。几个关键结构与胸锁关节存在解剖学关系，包括头臂动脉干、颈内静脉和颈总动脉。其他结构包括迷走神经和膈神经、气管和食管。因此，除了在稳定和支撑上肢方面发挥关键作用外，胸锁关节及其组成部分——锁骨和胸骨——对进入胸腔的结构起到重要的保护作用。
