MRI Sterno Clavicular Joint

What is an MRI Sternoclavicular Joint scan?

A painless, radiation-free magnetic resonance imaging study focused on the SC joint anatomy—cartilage, ligaments, bone marrow, and nearby soft tissues.

Key differences from CT & X-ray of the sternum

• X-ray: Shows bone fractures or dislocations but misses early marrow changes and soft-tissue injury.
• CT: Excellent for complex fractures, yet involves ionising radiation and poor soft-tissue contrast.
• MRI: Superior for soft-tissue inflammation, ligament integrity, marrow oedema, and early infection—without radiation.

• Soft-tissue inflammation
• Ligament integrity (anterior, posterior, costoclavicular)
• Bone marrow edema (early fracture or infection)
• Sternum alignment and symmetry
• Joint space effusion or synovial thickening

• Trauma & dislocation: High-impact sports, seat-belt injuries
• Infection (septic arthritis): Rapid swelling, fever
• Inflammatory arthritis: Rheumatoid, psoriatic, or ankylosing spondylitis
• Tumours & cysts: Osteochondromas, metastases, ganglion cysts

• High-resolution 3T imaging—double the clarity of 1.5T machines
• Fast scan protocols—complete study in 20-30 min
• Expert radiology reporting—sub-specialist musculoskeletal radiologists
• Flexible slots—morning, evening, weekend bookings
• Same-day report option for urgent cases

• Sternoclavicular joint pathology (sprain, subluxation)
• Sternal fractures & osteomyelitis
• Rheumatoid & seronegative arthritis
• Synovitis, capsulitis, and rare PVNS (pigmented villonodular synovitis)

• Metal screening: Remove jewellery, hearing aids, hairpins, and tell us about any implants.
• Fasting: Not required; eat and drink normally.
• Best time to scan: Any time; no menstrual or cycle dependency.
• Eligibility: Adults and children >5 years (paediatric sedation available).

1. Arrival & registration – 10 min
2. Safety questionnaire & changing – 5 min
3. Positioning – You lie on your back with arms at your sides; a small coil rests over your chest.
4. Scanning – 20-30 min; you’ll hear loud knocking sounds (earplugs provided).
5. Post-scan instructions – Resume normal activities immediately; no recovery time.

• Pacemaker & implant checks: Bring device cards or discharge summaries.
• Contrast allergy screening: Gadolinium is rarely needed, but inform us of prior reactions or kidney issues.
• Pregnancy: First-trimester scans deferred unless critical.

MRI safety & contraindications

• Absolute: Cardiac pacemaker, certain aneurysm clips, cochlear implants.
• Relative: Recent surgery clips, claustrophobia (we offer wide-bore scanners and mild sedation).

Limitations in certain metal implants or claustrophobia

Metal near the joint (e.g., sternal wires from open-heart surgery) can distort images. Our technologists review every implant with you beforehand.