Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation Research Articles

Treatment and management approaches in sternoclavicular joint dislocation

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocations, while rare, pose significant risks due to the joint’s proximity to critical thoracic structures. This letter discusses the treatment and management approaches for SCJ dislocations, particularly focusing on the higher risk of complications with posterior dislocations, which may lead to neurovascular or mediastinal injuries. Surgical intervention is often required, and multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial in such cases. The importance of accurate diagnosis through imaging, such as CT scans, and the benefits of graft-based reconstructions for joint stabilization are emphasized to improve patient outcomes.

Lateral Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation

Case: We report a case of a 29-year-old woman who sustained a left lateral sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation. Imaging demonstrated a 30-mm gap between the sternum and medial clavicle. Given well-preserved shoulder range of motion and well-controlled pain, she was ultimately treated nonoperatively. Conclusion: SCJ dislocations are rare injuries, comprising 1% of all traumatic joint dislocations. They are typically classified into anterior and posterior dislocations. A direct lateral SCJ dislocation is considered to be a lesser-known type. This case is presented to discuss the rarity of this injury along with the clinical findings, diagnosis, associated injuries, and treatment parameters.

Management Options for Traumatic Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Narrative Review with a Single Institution's Experience.

Background: Posterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocations are rare events that can evolve into real emergencies due to the vital structures in the mediastinum. When closed reduction maneuvers fail, open SCJ reconstruction becomes mandatory, with literature proposing several stabilization techniques that either preserve or remove the SCJ's mobility. This study is a narrative review of the most recent literature regarding posterior trauma to the SCJ along with a single institution's experience of this pathology, managed either conservatively or surgically, with a figure-of-eight autologous semitendinosus graft in case of closed reduction failure. Methods: This article provides an overview of posterior traumatic SCJ dislocation, and it describes five cases of patients managed for traumatic posterior SCJ dislocation treated either conservatively or surgically with a figure-of-eight semitendinosus tendon autograft reinforced with high-strength suture tape. A comparison with the most recent literature is performed, focusing on biomechanics. Results: The demographics, the mechanism of injury, the management algorithm and the surgical strategy align with the most recent literature. Despite the final treatment, at one year of follow-up, the ROM was restored with full strength throughout the range of motion of the shoulder with no neurological deficits. The reduced joint successfully healed in imaging, and patients returned to their daily lives. The surgical site wounds and donor harvest sites were perfectly healed. Conclusions: Although recent recommendations for treating posterior traumatic SCJ dislocation have advanced, no universally accepted method of stabilization exists, and the surgical strategy is generally entrusted to the surgeon's experience. The literature still increasingly supports figure-of-eight ligament reconstruction with a biological or synthetic graft. This work further implements the literature by reporting good outcomes at follow-up.

Open reduction and internal fixation in treatment of four cases of bipolar clavicle dislocations

To summarize the method and effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of 4 cases of bipolar clavicle dislocations. Between June 2017 and June 2022, 4 patients with bipolar clavicle dislocations were admitted. There were 3 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 27 to 63 years, with an average age of 45 years. There were 2 cases of crushing injury of mine car, 1 case of traffic accident injury, and 1 case of heavy object injury. The time from injury to operation was 3-7 days, with an average of 5.0 days. The sternoclavicular joint dislocations were classified as Grade Ⅱ in 1 case and type Ⅲ in 3 cases, and anterior dislocation in 3 cases and posterior dislocation in 1 case. The acromioclavicular joint dislocations were classified as Tossy type Ⅱ in 2 cases and type Ⅲ in 2 cases. After open reduction, the sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint were fixed with lateral malleolus locking titanium plate and clavicular hook plate, respectively. All operations were successfully completed without vascular or nerve injury. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-18 months, with an average of 14 months. At last follow-up, the shoulder joint functions were rated as excellent in 3 cases and good in 1 case according to Rockwood score. During follow-up, there was no loosening of internal fixator or fracture. The internal fixators were removed in all patients at 5-7 months after operation (mean, 6 months), and no re-dislocation occurred after removal. For bipolar clavicle dislocation, open reduction combined with lateral malleolus locking titanium plate fixation of the sternoclavicular joint and clavicle hook plate fixation of the acromioclavicular joint can achieve good effectiveness. It has the advantages of simple operation, high safety, firm fixation, and fewer complications, and the shoulder function recovers well.

Delayed Presentation of Traumatic anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation - A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract: Traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocations are uncommon, accounting for just 1% of all documented upper limb dislocations, despite the fact that upper limb dislocations are very common literature offers only a handful of documented instances of such dislocations. Among them, anterior dislocations are more frequently observed than posterior dislocations, owing to the robust ligamentous support in this area. We describe the case of a 35-year-old male patient who had isolated anterior sternoclavicular dislocation and a successful reduction procedure used on him. The rarity of such cases is emphasized by the satisfactory outcomes presented in our report.

The sternoclavicular joint: a review of anatomy, injury and management

The sternoclavicular joint is the only true joint connecting the upper limb with the axial skeleton and is reliant on its capsular and ligamentous attachments for stability. Injuries to the sternoclavicular joint are uncommon and include sprains, dislocations, and fractures. Dislocations and medial clavicle fractures are often associated with high-energy trauma and can lead to life-threatening complications secondary to mediastinal injuries, particularly with posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocations. Given the rarity of these injuries, there are multiple case reports and retrospective studies detailing novel surgical techniques for managing injuries of the sternoclavicular joint and no single option has been implemented. We conducted a literature search on Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL to identify relevant articles focusing on sternoclavicular joint dislocation and subluxation, and medial clavicle fractures in adults. This review article aims to describe: the anatomy of the sternoclavicular joint; injuries including dislocation and medial clavicle fractures; and current investigation and management options including closed and open reduction techniques.

Superior Sternoclavicular Dislocation Treated with Costoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Using Autograft: A Case Report.

We describe a case of a traumatic superior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) due to an isolated rupture of the costoclavicular ligament (CCL). A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan demonstrated the CCL rupture with preservation of the anterior and posterior SCJ ligaments. This was successfully treated with an isolated hamstring tendon reconstruction of the CCL, resulting in a satisfactory outcome at 1 year after the procedure. Isolated CCL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon in a patient with a superior SCJ dislocation provided a satisfactory outcome.

Posterior sternoclavicular dislocation in a 15-year old boy: case report

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation is a very rare injury, representing less than 5% of all shoulder girdle injuries. While anterior dislocations may be treated non-operatively, posterior dislocations should either be reduced closed or open and fixed. In cases of concomitant injuries to the mediastinal structures, an open reduction is mandatory. We present a case of a 15-year old boy who presented with a posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation without concomitant injuries in whom we have performed a chest X-ray but a computerised tomography was needed for a definitive diagnosis. An open reduction and cerclage with 3 non-absorbable sutures provided a stable fixation and the patient remained free of symptoms during the follow-up period.

Incidence of sports-related sternoclavicular joint dislocations in the United States over the last two decades.

Epidemiological understanding of acute sternoclavicular (SC) dislocations secondary to sports across the United States is poorly defined. To identify and assess epidemiological trends of SC dislocations occurring secondary to sports-related mechanisms across United States over the past two decades. This cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiological study evaluates epidemiological trends of SC dislocations from sports that present to emergency departments (EDs) across the United States. Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database spanning two decades. Data on incidence, patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, dislocation types, incident locales, and patient dispositions were collected. 1622 SC dislocations occurred nationwide from 2001 to 2020 [incidence = 0.262/1000000 people, confidence interval (CI) = 0.250-0.275], comprising 0.1% of shoulder/upper trunk dislocations. Most patients were male (91%, n = 1480) and aged 5-17 (61%, n = 982). Football, wrestling, and biking were the most frequently implicated sports, with contact sports responsible for 59% of athletic injuries (n = 961). Recreational vehicle-related sports injuries, such as all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mopeds accounted for 7.8% of all injuries (n = 126), with dirt bikes specifically comprising 3.7% (n = 61). Ultimately, 82% were discharged from the ED (n = 1337), 12% were admitted (n = 194), and 6% were transferred (n = 90). All recorded posterior dislocations were admitted or transferred from the ED. Patients sustaining SC dislocations from contact sports had a significantly increased risk of hospital admission or transfer rather than discharge from the ED as compared to patients whose injuries were from non-contact sports (incidence rate ratio = 1.46, CI: = 1.32-1.61, P < 0.001). SC dislocations from sports continue to be rare with a stably low incidence over the past two decades, likely comprising a smaller proportion of shoulder dislocations than previously thought. Contact sports are a frequent source of injury, especially among school-aged and teenage males. Most patients are discharged directly from the ED; however, a substantial number are hospitalized, many of which had documented posterior dislocations. Ultimately, understanding the epidemiology and mechanism-related trends of acute SC dislocations is important given the potential severity of these injuries, concentration in a specific population, and uncertainty linked to rare presentation.

Figure of Eight FiberTape Stabilization for Acute Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation

Figure of Eight FiberTape Stabilization for Acute Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation

Is reconstructing anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation by a high-strength tape suture a good choice?

Objectives: Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation is uncommon but dangerous. Redislocation frequently occurs after manual reduction due to the torn ligaments of the joint with a high-energy injury, which is often the case. Reconstruction of the SCJ is recommended to avoid poor efficacy of conservative treatment and decreasing quality of life in the patient due to progressive pain limiting the movement of the shoulder girdle. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction using a high-strength non-absorbable tape suture to reconstruct the anterior SCJ dislocation. Methods: This study included ten patients (Nine males and one female) who presented with acute anterior dislocation of the SCJ (six on the right and four on the left side). Our patients’ average age was 40.1 years (18–52 years), with 12 months on average follow-up (9–18 months). Four patients had isolated anterior SCJ dislocation, while the others had associated injuries. Results: All patients had excellent functional and satisfactory outcomes and returned to the pre-injury activity level. No intraoperative or major post-operative complications were recorded, and no injuries to near structures or wound problems were noted. The mean improvement of physical function measured by the American shoulder and elbow score was 24.59, which increased from 68.11 ± 3.72 preoperatively to 92.70 ± 3.54 postoperatively. Conclusion: The technique of open reconstruction of anterior SCJ dislocation using high-strength nonabsorbable tape sutures is recommended because it gave us excellent results regarding the safety, functional outcome, patient satisfaction, and avoidance of other surgical site morbidities.

The Floating Clavicle: Surgical Technique for Management of an Ipsilateral Acromioclavicular and Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation

Bipolar “floating” clavicle injuries are infrequent upper-extremity injuries that occur secondary to a high-energy trauma, which can cause dislocation at the sternoclavicular (SC) and acromioclavicular joints. Given the rarity of this injury, there is not a consensus regarding clinical management. Although anterior dislocations can be managed nonoperatively, posterior dislocations may pose a threat to chest-wall structures and typically are managed surgically. Here, we present our preferred technique for concomitant management of a locked posterior SC joint dislocation with associated grade 3 acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Reconstruction of both ends of the clavicle was performed in this case, using a figure-of-8 gracilis allograft and nonabsorbable suture reconstruction for the SC joint, and an anatomic acromioclavicular joint and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft and nonabsorbable suture.

Physeal injuries of the clavicle: pediatric counterparts to adult acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint separations.

The epiphyses at the medial and lateral ends of the clavicle are small, ossify relatively late, and may not fuse until early adulthood. Because of this unique anatomy, pediatric and young adult injuries that involve the clavicle often differ from the patterns typically seen in older adults. Clavicular trauma that affects the acromioclavicular joint laterally or sternoclavicular joint medially often results in a physeal fracture and as such, can go unrecognized or be mistaken for a joint dislocation. Radiographic assessment is challenging, particularly when the epiphysis is not yet ossified. However, MR imaging allows for visualization of the cartilage, periosteum and perichondrium, and ligaments of the affected joints. Lateral clavicle physeal injuries can be categorized by the Dameron and Rockwood system, the pediatric correlate to the Rockwood classification of adult acromioclavicular joint injuries. Medial clavicle physeal fractures, similar to adult sternoclavicular joint dislocations, may result in anterior or posterior displacement. Because of their great ability to heal and remodel, clavicular physeal fractures respond better to conservative management than true acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joint dislocations. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the true nature of these injuries, as there are implications for successful treatment and appropriate prognosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Management of Significantly Displaced Adolescent Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Injuries.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are the standard imaging modality for the diagnosis and treatment guide for adolescent posterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) injuries. However, the medial clavicular physis is not visualized and it is not possible to differentiate between a true SCJ dislocation and a physeal injury (PI). An magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can visualize the bone and the physis. We treated a series of patients with adolescent posterior SCJ injuries diagnosed on CT scan. Patients underwent an MRI scan to differentiate between a true SCJ dislocation and a PI and to further differentiate between a PI with or without residual medial end clavicular bone contact. Patients with a true SCJ dislocation and a PI with no contact underwent an open reduction and fixation. Patients with a PI with contact were treated nonoperatively with repeat CT scans at 1 and 3 months. At final follow-up SCJ clinical function was assessed using Quick-DASH, Rockwood, modified Constant, and single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) scores. Thirteen patients (2 female and 11 male) with an average age of 14.9 years (12 to 17) were included in the study. Twelve patients were available at final follow-up (mean 50mo, 26 to 84). One patient had a true SCJ dislocation and 3 had an off-ended PI and were treated with an open reduction and fixation. Eight patients had a PI with residual bone contact and were treated nonoperatively. For these patients serial CT scans showed that the position was maintained, with a serial increase in callus formation and bone remodeling. The average follow-up was 42.9 months (24 to 62). At final follow-up the mean Quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) was 0.4 (0 to 2.3), Rockwood was 15, modified Constant was 98.8 (89 to 100) and SANE was 99.5% (95 to 100). In this case series of significantly displaced adolescent posterior SCJ injuries MRI scans allowed identification of true SCJ dislocations and off-ended PIs, which were successfully treated by open reduction, and PIs with residual physeal contact which were successfully treated nonoperatively. Level IV-case series.

Non traumatic pathological sternoclavicular joint dislocation an unexplored complication of clavicle osteomyelitis-a case report

Non-traumatic pathological sternoclavicular joint dislocation due to medial end of clavicle osteomyelitis is extremely rare. This kind of rare complication should be anticipated while encountering these kinds of cases. A sixty-three-year-old male came with pain and swelling over the left neck and was diagnosed to have left clavicle osteomyelitis. The unexplored complication of sternoclavicular joint dislocation and successful management of such complications has been discussed in this case report. To best of our knowledge this is the first case report of a non-traumatic pathological sternoclavicular joint dislocation due to clavicle osteomyelitis. This case report will supplement the inadequate literature in management of such cases.

Reconstruction of posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint with nonabsorbable No. 5 ethibond sutures

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation (PSCJD) is rare. It is usually due to contact sports or trauma and is often associated with multiple life-threatening complications. We report a case of a Kabaddi player (an Indian contact sport) who was pushed by an opponent and fell on his right shoulder. The patient complained of right shoulder pain and visible deformity over the right sternal area. After initial X-rays, the right posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint was confirmed with computed tomography scan. After the attempts of closed reduction failed, open reduction and internal fixation were done with a double loop of No. 5 ethibond sutures. Excellent results can be achieved in PSCJD using open reduction and reconstruction techniques with double-stranded 5.0 ethibond nonabsorbable sutures.

Traumatic Left Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation with Figure of 8 Semitendinosus Ligament Reconstruction

Traumatic Left Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation with Figure of 8 Semitendinosus Ligament Reconstruction

Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation: А Case Report.

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation is a rare condition. In this paper, we present a 51-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department in our hospital after he was hit by a mining railway wagon in the chest. A diagnosis of posterior sternoclavicular dislocation was confirmed after performing a CT scan. Following necessary preparations, the sternoclavicular joint was stabilized with two wire cerclage techniques during open reduction. During control at the postoperative 4th week, the range of motion at the shoulder was satisfactory, but the patient had mild pain at the joint level and was sent to physical therapy to improve the range of motion and to minimize the pain.

Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstruction with Semitendinosus Allograft and Suture Anchors after Recurrent Posterior Dislocation in a Professional North American Football Player

Background: Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocations are an extremely rare but potentially life-threatening injury that can occur in sports. A variety of surgical procedures have been proposed, but there is no consensus on the treatment of choice. It is also largely unknown if a safe return to high-risk sports is possible. Case Presentation: We present a case of a posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation in a 22-year-old male professional North American football player who had a recurrent irreducible posterior dislocation after initial injury management by closed reduction. The patient’s desire to return to football presented unique challenges to management. His sternoclavicular joint was subsequently reconstructed with semitendinosus allograft in a figure-of-eight augmented with suture anchors. After recovery, he returned to play as a running back in professional football symptom-free. Conclusion: Our patient's successful return to playing professional football after the sternoclavicular joint reconstruction suggests that this should be considered an effective treatment option when managing posterior sternoclavicular dislocation in high level contact sports players.

Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sports After Open Reduction and Hamstring Tendon Autograft Reconstruction in Patients With Acute Traumatic First-Time Posterior Dislocation of the Sternoclavicular Joint

Background: Traumatic posterior dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) are rare. Multiple case reports, case series, and systematic reviews have been published on the treatment of posterior SCJ dislocations. However, they have usually been of small numbers, described a variety of surgical techniques on a mixture of acute and chronic dislocations, and have not focused on functional recovery or return to sports. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and return to sports after SCJ open reduction and reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft in patients with an acute first-time traumatic posterior dislocation of the SCJ. We hypothesized that SCJ open reduction and reconstruction would result in high survivorship, good clinical outcomes, and a high rate of return to sports. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included all patients who underwent SCJ open reduction and reconstruction within 14 days of sustaining a first-time traumatic posteriorly dislocated SCJ, with a minimum 3-year follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed by the following scores: short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Rockwood SCJ, modified Constant, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Survivorship was defined as no clinical failure, such as instability or recurrent dislocation, and no revision surgery. Return to sports was assessed using a customized questionnaire. Results: A total of 19 patients who underwent surgery were included, with a mean age of 30.8 years (range, 18-52 years). Seventeen patients were available at final follow-up at a mean 94.5 months (range, 37-155 months). At final follow-up, the mean scores were as follows: QuickDASH, 4.3 (range, 0-20.4); Rockwood, 13.9 (range, 12-15); modified Constant, 94.4 (range, 71-100); and SANE, 92.1 (range, 70-100). The construct survivorship was 96%. Of the 14 patients who participated in sports, 12 (86%) returned to their preinjury levels. Conclusion: After an acute first-time traumatic posterior SCJ dislocation, open reduction and stabilization with a hamstring tendon autograft, undertaken within 14 days of injury, provides good clinical outcomes and high rates of survivorship and return to sports.