A comprehensive, integrated study of the clavicle: Its topographical anatomy, biomechanical architecture and function; pathological anatomy of its mid-shaft fractures and the decision-making process for a surgical approach when planning an intramedullary : Part 3 Articular Anatomy of the Pectoral Girdle

Gandhi Harjeet Singh

doi:10.24297/ijct.v26i.9859

Authors

Gandhi Harjeet Singh Orthopaedic surgeon, Honorary Staff, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24297/ijct.v26i.9859

Keywords:

Clavicle, Pectoral girdle, Sternoclavicular joint, Acromioclavicular joint, Scapulothoracic synsarcosis, Acromiohumeral synsarcosis, Human anatomy

Abstract

Highlights: The bilateral clavicle articulates with the axial skeleton directly at the clavicular fossae of the manubrium sterni, indirectly to the first thoracic vertebra through the first rib, and soft tissue connectivity via the scapulothoracic synsarcosis, completing the pectoral girdle system.

The dual compartments of the sternoclavicular articulation offer multiplanar and multiaxial kinematic properties. In the presence of normal biomechanical architecture of the clavicle, the scapulothoracic synsarcosis enhances the versatility of the pectoral girdle and, along with a healthy acromiohumeral synsarcosis, provides uniform scapulohumeral rhythm and powerful overhead movements.

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