Costoclavicular

Costoclavicular is an anatomical term used to describe relationships related to the clavicle (collarbone) and the first rib (costal). It is applied to structures, spaces, and ligaments in the region where the clavicle articulates or sits near the first rib, and it is also used in the context of thoracic outlet pathology that involves this area.

Key anatomical elements include the costoclavicular ligament and the costoclavicular space. The costoclavicular ligament is a strong fibrous band that extends from the inferior surface of the clavicle to the superior aspect of the first rib near its costal cartilage. It helps stabilize the sternoclavicular joint and limits elevation of the clavicle, contributing to the guidance of shoulder girdle movements. The costoclavicular space, bounded anteriorly by the clavicle and posteriorly by the first rib, contains important neurovascular structures, notably the subclavian artery and vein and the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. This space is clinically significant because it can become a site of compression.

Clinical relevance includes costoclavicular syndrome, a form of thoracic outlet syndrome characterized by compression of the subclavian vessels (and sometimes brachial plexus components) between the clavicle and first rib. Symptoms can include arm pain, numbness, weakness, and swelling, often exacerbated by certain arm positions or repetitive overhead activity. Management typically involves posture correction, physical therapy to widen the thoracic outlet, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve compression. The term costoclavicular thus spans both normal anatomy and related pathophysiology in the shoulder girdle region.