Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectives To evaluate the tomographic distance between the sternoclavicular joints and the nearest hilar structures.Methods Computed tomography images (axial and sagittal slices) in 120 healthy individuals (60 men and 60 women) between 18 and 60 years old were prospectively analyzed. The distances from both sternoclavicular joints to the respective brachiocephalic veins, trachea, esophagus, and lung apexes were measured and related to age, sex, and body mass index.Results Statistically significant differences were found in the distance from the right and left sternoclavicular joint distances and the corresponding brachiocephalic vein, esophagus, and lung apexes. In women, both sides were closer to the noble structures. In patients with body mass index <25, the distances were significantly less than in heavier patients.Conclusion The left sternoclavicular joint is closer to the hilar structures than the contralateral side. In women, both sternoclavicular joints are closer to the brachiocephalic veins, esophagus, and lung apexes than in men. Patients with body mass index <25 have shorter distances between these joints and the brachiocephalic veins and esophagus. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic studies – Investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of disease.
Highlights
The proximity of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) with noble anatomical structures of the mediastinal thread should be remembered when surgical procedures are proposed in this region
The left sternoclavicular joint is closer to the hilar structures than the contralateral side
The selection was performed prospectively among patients submitted to Computed tomography (CT), with indications of different specialties when investigating other diseases not related to SCJ
Summary
The proximity of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) with noble anatomical structures of the mediastinal thread should be remembered when surgical procedures are proposed in this region. Adequate knowledge of the anatomy and distance between these elements and the SCJ is essential to avoid iatrogenic lesions. Another important factor refers to cases of trauma in the anterior aspect of the thorax. Traumatic SCJ lesions are uncommon but when they occur they may be associated with fatal complications.[1,2] serious, the incidence is less than 3%, generally involving young, economically active young men caused by high energy trauma.[3,4] Traffic accidents and sports injuries account for more than 80% of injuries.[5,6,7] The increasing number of traffic accidents (especially motorcycles) and the popularization of contact sports such as football, rugby and martial arts , contributed to the increase in incidence in the last decade.[8] Subsequent dislocations correspond to 5% of the dislocations and are more commonly associated with intrathoracic lesions. Conventional clinical and radiographic evaluation are important in the initial evaluation, All authors declare no potential conflict of interest related to this article
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