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Purpose: To evaluate the value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of swelling and lesions of the sternoclavicular joint (SCG)., Material and Methods: We analysed the sonograms of 20 SCG of 18 patients with pain and swelling of the SCG. Ultrasonography was performed just after the clinical examination, using a 7.5 MHz linear scanner., Results: All examinations of the SCG produced distinct and clear sonographical findings. We showed that luxations of the SCG as well as tumors and local inflammation can be identified., Conclusion: Ultrasonographic examination is a noninvasive, time sparing and economical diagnostic tool for clarifying the differential diagnosis of lesions of the SCG and establish may a therapy regimen.

Instability of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare diagnosis and will mostly be found after motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries. Depending on the severity of the trauma open reduction is rarely required, and most cases will be treated successfully with conservative management. Associated injuries to the surrounding anatomic structures are not rare, and can be found in posteriorly directed injuries.

Torsion scoliosis of the upper thoracic vertebral column was causally linked with intrathoracic pains not of coronary origin. A key to understanding the origin of pain seems to lie in the sternal syndrome and the nociceptive somatomotor-blocking effect arising from it. With reference to an unselected patient collective of 38 cases of pseudoanginal complaints, of which in almost 50% the intrathoracic type of pain was found, changes in the thoracic vertebral column and in nearly 75% a torsion scoliosis was demonstrated. Coronary heart disease was excluded by the case history, clinically and by observation of the course. On clinical examination the sternal stress posture described by Brügger was mostly impressive. The incidence of characteristic findings on clinical investigation is classified in a table.