Sternoclavicular instability - reconstruction of sternoclavicular ligament using semitendinosus autograft

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Injury to the sternoclavicular joint is rare with an incidence of 3% of all the injuries around the shoulder girdle. Most of them heal with conservative treatment. Rarely some progress to chronic instability associated with pain.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">We present a small series of 4 such cases of chronic symptomatic sternoclavicular joint instability. We performed reconstruction of the sternoclavicular ligament using semitendinosus autograft, with excellent result, with minimum of 15 months follow up</span>.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">All the patients returned to pre injury level of activity at the end of 6 months. There was significant improvement in the DASH score following surgery. Our results are comparable with that of Castropil et al, who had performed a similar technique. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Reconstruction of sternoclavicular ligament using the semitendinosus autograft is a safe, reproducible and functionally good surgical option in patients with chronic sternoclavicular instability.</span></p>