Background SCJ asymmetry is poorly understood due to its rarity and limited imaging in asymptomatic populations, with few studies linking it to patient-reported symptoms, prompting our investigation of its clinical relevance in a healthy cohort. This study aims to identify the prevalence of subjective anatomical size and mobility differences in the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) within a non-pathologic cohort, and the rate of functional interference and/or pain in this cohort. Methods Patients presenting to clinic with lower extremity orthopedic complaints were surveyed via a modified Nottingham Clavicle Score, tailored specifically to the SCJ. Patients included in the study additionally underwent retrospective chart review to identify demographics, comorbidities, and past medical history relevant to the SCJ. Results The final cohort consisted of 83 subjects and was majority female (n = 49; 59.04%), with a mean age of 55.3 years (range: 19–90) and BMI 30.69 kg/m 2 (range: 17.58–57.54). Among the cohort surveyed, 27 patients reported an asymmetry of the sternoclavicular joint, majority of which indicated a larger right SCJ (n = 21; 77.8%) as compared to the left. SCJ asymmetry was associated with significantly increased differences in subjective mobility between sides ( P = .020), and increased rates of perceived weakness on overhead activities ( P = .005). However, perceived SCJ asymmetry was not statistically significantly associated with increased rates of pain ( P = .225) or movement/clicking of the joint ( P = .826). Conclusion Approximately 33% of patients in a non-pathologic cohort reported asymmetry across the sternoclavicular joints. Subjective asymmetry was significantly associated with significantly increased differences in mobility between sides as well as perceived weakness on overhead activities.
Morningstar et al. (Mon,) studied this question.