BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate sternoclavicular joint distances and age-related degenerative changes in thorax computed tomography images.

MATERIAL and METHODS

Computed tomography (CT) was performed between April 2019 and October 2019 at the Department of Radiology of State Hospital for chest pain and lung parenchymal nodule follow-up. One hundred and forty-six sternoclavicular joints of 73 patients (38 males, 35 females, median 58 years, mean 57.23 6 13.25 years) aged 35-78 years were evaluated retrospectively. Measurements were taken for bilateral sternoclavicular joint from anterior, mid, and posterior in the axial plain and superior, mid, and inferior sections in the coronal plan. Measurements of sternoclavicular joint were compared according to gender for right and left sides. The presence of osteophyte, sclerosis, subchondral cyst, and gas showing degeneration in the sternoclavicular joint were compared according to age and sex.

RESULTS

Sternoclavicular joint distances measured in axial and coronal planes were found to be significantly lower in female gender group than in men. In the study group, there was statistically significant difference between the measurements made from the coronal plan superior section (P = .016). There was no statistically significant difference between mid and inferior measurements in coronal plane and anterior, mid and posterior measurements in axial plane. Sternal osteophytes were significantly more common in females than males (P = .021). Osteophyte located in the clavicle was significantly more frequent with increasing age.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant asymmetry in the sternoclavicular joint in asymptomatic individuals, and an increase in degenerative markers of the sternoclavicular joint is observed with the progression of age.

Keywords: Computed tomography, sternoclavicular joint, osteophyte