interclaviculare

Interclaviculare, or the interclavicular ligament (ligamentum interclaviculare in Latin), is a short fibrous band of the shoulder girdle. It forms part of the ligaments associated with the sternoclavicular region and helps connect the two clavicles across the superior aspect of the thorax.

Anatomy and attachments: The interclavicular ligament extends between the superior surfaces of the medial ends of the clavicles, crossing the upper part of the sternum near the jugular notch. Its fibers may blend with the joint capsules of the sternoclavicular joints and with surrounding connective tissue, contributing to the stability of this region.

Function: The ligament serves to stabilize the clavicles relative to one another and to the sternum. By spanning the midline above the sternoclavicular joints, it helps limit excessive depression and downward movement of the shoulders and clavicles during movement.

Clinical relevance: Injury to the sternoclavicular region can involve the ligaments of this area, including the interclavicular ligament, though isolated injury to this ligament is uncommon. Disruption can contribute to shoulder girdle instability or alter the kinematics of the sternoclavicular joints.

Etymology and terminology: The term is from Latin, with English usage typically as interclavicular ligament or interclavicular ligamentous band. It is one of several ligaments that reinforce the sternoclavicular complex, alongside the anterior and posterior sternoclavicular ligaments and the costoclavicular ligament.