Sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) disorders

Sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) pain happens where your collarbone meets your breastbone, and it can make everyday movements like reaching or lifting uncomfortable. SC joint disorders range from mild sprains to arthritis and instability. With an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, most people find lasting relief.

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Anatomy of the shoulder

The sternoclavicular joint, often called the SC joint, sits at the base of your neck where your collarbone (clavicle) connects to your breastbone (sternum). This small joint is one of only two places where your arm and shoulder attach to the rest of your skeleton, so it plays an important role in shoulder movement and stability.

Because the SC joint supports so much motion, it can be affected by injury, wear and tear or inflammation. When the joint is damaged or unstable, it can lead to pain, swelling or a visible change near the collarbone.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of an SC joint disorder can vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:

Pain where the collarbone meets the breastbone
Swelling or a visibly prominent joint
Tenderness when touching the area
Pain that worsens with shoulder movement or lifting
A feeling of the joint slipping or shifting
Stiffness in the shoulder or upper chest

Symptoms may develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time with conditions like arthritis.

Causes

SC joint disorders can result from injury, gradual wear or underlying joint conditions. Common causes include:

Direct trauma, such as a fall or blow to the shoulder
Repetitive strain from overhead activities or sports
Osteoarthritis, which develops as joint cartilage wears down over time
Inflammatory arthritis affecting the joint
Ligament damage that leads to joint instability

In some cases, the exact cause of SC joint pain isn't clear, and ongoing evaluation may be needed to identify the source.

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing an SC joint disorder, though having one or more of these doesn't mean you'll develop the condition:

Participation in contact sports or activities with a high risk of falls
Previous shoulder or collarbone injury
Repetitive overhead motion at work or during exercise
Age-related joint changes, including osteoarthritis
Conditions that affect joint stability or ligament strength

Diagnosis

Diagnosing an SC joint disorder starts with a review of your symptoms and how they developed, along with a physical examination of the joint and shoulder. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or a CT scan, may be used to get a clearer view of the joint and rule out other causes of pain. In some cases, additional imaging may be needed to evaluate ligament damage or joint instability.

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