X-rays of 102 sternoclavicular joints from post-mortem examination were interpreted systematically. In 89 cases we found an osteoarthrosis. We investigated the correlation between stage of osteoarthrosis and size and form of articular surface, age, sex and right or left preference. We also made a review about anatomy, embryology and pathology of the sternoclavicular joint. The differential diagnosis of sternoclavicular pain is discussed.