About a sternoclavicular joint MRI scan
The sternoclavicular (SC) joints are where the inner ends of the two collarbones (clavicles) meet the top of the breastbone (sternum), at the base of the neck. They are the only joints that connect the arms to the rest of the skeleton, and they are held firmly in place by strong ligaments. Just behind them lie major blood vessels, the windpipe and the gullet. An SC joint MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not X-rays, to show the joints, ligaments, bone and surrounding soft tissues.
SC joint problems are uncommon, and they are hard to see on ordinary X-rays because of the overlapping bones of the chest. MRI may be used to look at:
- injuries and dislocations: the collarbone can be pushed forwards or, less often, backwards behind the breastbone, which can press on the structures behind it. In teenagers and young adults, what looks like a dislocation may be an injury to the growth plate at the end of the collarbone
- arthritis: wear and tear (osteoarthritis) is common in older adults, and the joints can also be affected by inflammatory arthritis
- infection (septic arthritis): rare, but more likely in people with diabetes, a weakened immune system or a recent line or injection in this area. MRI can show how far infection has spread into the bone and soft tissues
- other causes of a painful lump or swelling at the inner end of the collarbone
CT is often used alongside MRI when the exact position of the bones after an injury needs to be seen. For problems along the rest of the collarbone, see clavicle MRI.
What happens during the scan
You lie on your back on the scanner bed with a coil placed over the top of your chest. The scanner is loud, so you will wear ear plugs or headphones, and the radiographer can talk to you throughout. You need to keep still and breathe gently while the pictures are taken. Contrast dye is not usually needed, but may be used to look for infection or inflammation; where contrast is needed, it is charged separately.
What the scan can show
A sternoclavicular joint MRI can help to look at:
- sprains, subluxation and dislocation of the joint
- growth plate injuries in teenagers and young adults
- osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis
- infection of the joint and bone
- swelling and lumps around the joint
- the cartilage disc inside the joint
When to get urgent help: go to A&E if you have an injury to this area with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a change in your voice, or numbness, tingling or colour change in your arm. Seek urgent medical advice if the joint becomes hot, red and swollen and you feel unwell or have a fever.
Preparing for your scan
No special preparation is needed, and you can eat and drink normally. Upload any previous X-ray, CT or blood test reports when you book.
You can usually eat, drink and take your normal medicines unless the scanning centre tells you otherwise. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips or buttons, and leave jewellery at home. You will be asked to remove metal items such as hair clips, hearing aids, coins and keys, and you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the scan you will complete a safety questionnaire. Tell the team if you have a pacemaker, any metal implant, surgical clips or other device, if you have kidney problems or allergies, or if you are, or might be, pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel anxious in enclosed spaces, let us know when you book. Some centres can offer a relaxant, and if you take one you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t an X-ray show my SC joint clearly?
The SC joints are surrounded by the overlapping bones of the chest and spine, which makes them hard to see on a standard X-ray. MRI and CT show the joints much more clearly.
Are both joints scanned?
Usually yes. Both SC joints sit close together, and scanning both lets the radiologist compare the painful side with the normal side.
Should I have an SC joint or clavicle MRI?
An SC joint MRI focuses on the joints where the collarbones meet the breastbone. A clavicle MRI covers the length of the collarbone. Your referrer will say which is needed; if you are unsure, contact us before booking.
Do I need a referral?
You can tell us if you have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or consultant and upload it when you book. If you do not have one, select “no referral” when you book and the scanning centre will confirm the next steps with you.
Sources
- Radiopaedia – Sternoclavicular joint dislocation
- An Unusual Cause of Shoulder Pain: Sternoclavicular Joint Septic Arthritis (PMC)
- Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation in a Pediatric Wrestler: Delayed Diagnosis After Initially Benign Radiographs (PMC)
- NHS – Septic arthritis
- RadiologyInfo.org – Musculoskeletal MRI
- NHS – MRI scan
The information on this page has been gathered from various sources and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice. TOP MRI is not liable for the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please speak to your doctor or the scanning centre about your own situation.