Computed tomography of the sternoclavicular joint and sternum.

Computed tomography (CT) was used to examine 17 patients with various pathologic conditions (trauma, neoplasm, infection, or arthropathy) involving the sternoclavicular joint or sternum. CT required less time to perform and caused less discomfort to the patient than did conventional linear tomography. CT also demonstrated abnormalities better or provided additional useful diagnostic information in the majority of patients. When plain radiographs are not conclusive, CT is the preferred radiologic modality for the evaluation of the sternoclavicular joint and sternum.