Sternoclavicular Research Articles

Instabilities and Osteoarthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint.

Injury to the sternoclavicular joint (SCG) is very rare, accounting for 3% of shoulder injuries and <1% of instabilities. Consequently, both the treatment of acute instabilities and their subsequent states (chronic instabilities/SCG arthrosis) are controversial. While treatment has so far been mostly conservative, in recent years there has been a trend towards surgical therapy.Considerable violence, such as that found in traffic accidents or contact sports, can tear the extremely stable ligaments between the medial clavicle and sternum. While anterior dislocation is easier to reduce in most cases, instability remains in up to 50% of cases. In most cases, posterior instability requires rapid reduction, particularly due to the anatomical proximity to important cardio-pulmonary structures. If this succeeds, the rate of persistent instabilities is low. For chronic instability, reconstruction/augmentation of the ligament apparatus with tendon grafts in the "Figure of 8 configuration" has proven to be the standard technique in recent years.

Assessment ofclinical andradiological characteristics ofJapanese patients with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, andosteitis syndrome.

This study aimed to analyse the radiological characteristics and clinical diversity of Japanese patients with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome, a heterogeneous disorder. Radiographs and clinical information from 115 Japanese patients (female/male: 81/34; mean age at onset: 48.7 years) diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome between January 2007 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, the treatment for SAPHO syndrome was explored. Among the 115 patients, 70 patients had complications, including palmoplantar pustulosis, acne, or psoriasis. Imaging studies included bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography in 71, 58, 70, and 23 patients, respectively. The most frequent lesions were arthritis and hyperostosis of the sternoclavicular joints in 96 patients; spinal lesions, including sacroiliac arthritis, were observed in 85 patients. Peripheral aseptic osteitis was observed in 22 patients, and the tibia was involved in 12. The treatments consisted of analgesics, bisphosphonates, conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologics (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and interleukin-23p19 inhibitors) in 85, 15, 23, and 10 patients (8 and 2 patients), respectively. Sternoclavicular hyperostosis and pustulosis are frequently observed in patients with SAPHO syndrome. Biological agents were more frequently used in patients with peripheral osteitis and arthritis.

Costovertebral and costotransverse joint involvement in spondyloarthritis.

Costovertebral (CV), costotransverse (CTr), sternoclavicular (SC), and manubriosternal (MS) joints are impacted in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients; however, clinical aspects of these involvements require additional evaluation. A total of 281 SpA patients who had undergone chest computed tomography (CT) for any reason between 2010 and 2020 were included in the study. SpA patients were divided into three groups, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), non-radiographic axial SpA, and psoriatic arthritis. Thirty age- and sex-matched rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 30 non-rheumatic disease individuals were selected for comparison. An experienced radiologist reviewed 24 CV, 20 CTr, 2 SC, and 1 MS joints from a thorax CT for each patient. All joints were classified as: normal (0); suspicious (1), mild (2), moderate (3), or severe (4). Total CV and CTr joint scores differed between diseases (p < .001). Male AS patients had higher CV and CTr scores than female AS patients (male CV score: 52 [range 0-96] and CTr score: 22 [range 0-80]; female CV score: 20 [range 0-96] and CTr score: 12 [range 0-79]). Strong negative correlations were detected in AS patients between chest expansion and CV (r = -0.703 p = .007) and CTr (r = -0.763 p = .002) joint involvement; positive correlations between CV and CTr joints, and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (p < .05); and no significant association for MS and SC joints. CV and CTr joint involvement on thorax CT was more severe in AS and negatively affected chest expansion. The use of thorax CT scans performed for other indications in the examination of these joints may be advantageous for the early beginning of rehabilitation programs targeted at maintaining chest mobility.

Application of prolonged submental perforator flap to repair the postoperative defect of upper airway malignancy

ObjectivesTo explore the feasibility of making a submental perforator flap distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint under the guidance of neck-enhanced CT and repairing the postoperative defect of upper airway malignancy.Materials and methodsThis study retrospectively analysed 19 cases of upper airway malignant tumours treated in our department from January 2021 to September 2022, including 17 males and 2 females, aged 43–70 years.Site of lesions15 cases were in the laryngopharynx, 2 cases in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus and 2 cases on the soft palate. All the lesions were malignant and at stages T2–4N0–2M0.Surgical methodThe extended submental perforator flap (size 22–15 × 6–7 cm) was prefabricated distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint. After tumour resection, the flap was used to repair the postoperative defect. Fifteen cases of laryngopharyngeal malignant tumours were repaired using the extended submental perforator flap with the vascular pedicle located on the opposite side of the tumour body. Two cases of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumours were repaired using the extended submental perforator flap combined with the temporalis muscle flap. The soft palate was completely removed in two patients with soft palate cancer and repaired using the folded extended submental perforator flap.ResultsBefore the surgery, the reflux vein was observed by neck-enhanced CT, including 12 cases returning to the internal jugular vein and 7 cases to the external jugular vein. All 19 cases in which flaps were used survived, and 1 case had a postoperative infection. All the patients had nasal feeding removed after surgery. The tracheal cannula was removed from the patients with laryngeal preservation, and the pronunciation was satisfactory. Among them, patients with soft palate cancer repair had mild nasal reflux symptoms with smooth breathing. During the follow-up period of 4–24 months, 18 patients had no tumour recurrence or metastasis, and 1 patient had cervical lymph node metastasis.ConclusionsThis study highlights the use of a submental perforator flap distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint to repair postoperative defects for upper airway malignancy as an innovative surgical approach that provides more tissue and good arteriovenous blood supply to adjacent sites. This method has high clinical value and provides an effective option for repairing postoperative defects of upper airway malignancy.

A surgical case of abscess of the sternal region due to synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome

BackgroundSynovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by cystic skin disease, aseptic osteomyelitis, and hyperostosis. It is rarely associated with subcutaneous abscesses in the anterior chest wall. Herein, we describe a case of a sternal abscess due to SAPHO syndrome that was successfully treated with debridement.Case presentationA 62-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of a mass in the right anterior chest region. Computed tomography showed the presence of an abscess around the sternum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed inflammation of the spine. The patient also had a history of palmoplantar pustulosis, raising the suspicion of SAPHO syndrome; however, sternoclavicular joint infection could not be excluded. Abscess drainage and wall debridement were performed. However, reaccumulation of the abscess occurred early after surgery. Although culture tests of the abscess were negative, histopathological examination of the abscess wall revealed a tuberculoid granuloma. Owing to unsuccessful open wound management, debridement of the anterior thoracic skin and abscess wall and partial sternal resection were performed 2 months after the initial surgery. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied for 4 weeks after surgery, followed by immunosuppressant administration. The patient underwent split-thickness skin grafting on postoperative day 65 and had no abscess recurrence at 18 months post-surgery.ConclusionsAbscesses in the sternal region caused by SAPHO syndrome can be difficult to differentiate from infectious arthritis. Therefore, drainage and debridement should be considered if infection cannot be excluded.

Children’s orthopaedics

The August 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: DDH: What can patients expect after open reduction?; Femoral head deformity associated with hip displacement in non-ambulatory cerebral palsy; Bony hip reconstruction for displaced hips in patients with cerebral palsy: is postoperative immobilization indicated?; Opioid re-prescriptions after ACL reconstruction in adolescents are associated with subsequent opioid use disorder; Normative femoral and tibial lengths in a modern population of USA children; Retrospective analysis of associated anomalies in 636 patients with operatively treated congenital scoliosis; Radiological hip shape and patient-reported outcome measures in healed Perthes’ disease; Significantly displaced adolescent posterior sternoclavicular joint injuries.

Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstruction With Gracilis Tendon Autograft

Clinical instability of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a challenging problem. Recurrent subluxation and pain can lead to significant functional limitations. Although many patients respond positively to conservative treatment, chronic dislocations often require operative intervention. The complex anatomy of the diarthrodial SC joint and the existence of concomitant SC joint degenerative changes compounded with close-by neurovascular structures present a surgical challenge. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a technique for the open management of symptomatic sternoclavicular joint instability using a figure-of-8 reconstruction with a gracilis autograft. The present authors believe this technique provides a technically safe and reproducible method for reconstructing the SC joint without compromising biomechanical strength.

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.

Ultrasound Assessment of Entheseal Sites and Anterior Chest Wall in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study was designed to evaluate entheseal sites and anterior chest wall (ACW) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using ultrasound (US) and investigate the correlation between disease activity and US score. This prospective cross-sectional study included 104 patients with AS and 50 control subjects. Each patient underwent US scanning of 23 entheses and 11 sites of the ACW. The US features, including hypoechogenicity, thickness, erosion, calcification, bursitis, and Doppler signal, were evaluated. Disease activity was assessed based on C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), disease activity score-C reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). The most commonly involved entheses on US were the Achilles tendon (AT) and quadriceps tendon (QT). The most involved site of ACW was the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ). Compared with the control group, significant differences were observed in the AS group in the rates of US enthesitis and ACW in AT (P = .01), SCJ (P = .00), and costochondral joint (CCJ) (P = .01). Patients with high or very high disease activity had a higher erosion score (P = .02). The erosion score was weakly positively associated with CRP, ESR, BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, and ASDAS-ESR (correlation coefficient: 0.22-0.45). The most commonly involved entheseal sites on US were AT and QT, while the site of ACW was SCJ. The US assessment of AS should take the ACW into account. High disease activity might indicate erosion in AS.

Dynamic evaluation of the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints using an upright four-dimensional computed tomography

In the analysis of the shoulder complex, the sequential changes occurring in the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints during active shoulder motion are challenging to track. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joint motions during active elevation, including the sequential changes in these joint spaces using upright four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). Bilateral shoulders of 12 healthy volunteers upright 4DCT were obtained during active elevation similar to a “hands up” motion. The sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular rotation angles, joint distances, and closest points on the clavicle relative to the thorax and scapula were evaluated during 10°−140° of humerothoracic elevation. During humerothoracic elevation, the clavicle elevated, retracted, and rotated posteriorly relative to the thorax, whereas the scapula rotated upwardly, internally, and posteriorly relative to the clavicle. All the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joint rotation angles were significantly different at ≥ 30°−50° of humerothoracic elevation compared with 10° of humerothoracic elevation. The mean sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joint distances were 2.2 ± 1.1 mm and 1.6 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. The closest points were located on the anteroinferior part of the medial and lateral clavicle in the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the acromioclavicular joint distance and anterior/posterior movements of the closest points in the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints compared with 10° of humerothoracic elevation. Our sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular closest point results indicate that the impingement tends to occur at the anteroinferior part of the medial and lateral aspects of the clavicle and may be related to osteoarthritis.

Is there a relation between loss of shoulder external rotation and sternoclavicular joint disorders?

Scapulothoracic movements are essential in shoulder kinematics and can partially compensate stiffness and loss of motion of glenohumeral joint. The scapulothoracic movement is strictly dependent on the translation and rotation of the clavicle at the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ), this being the only true joint between the axial and the upper appendicular skeleton. Aim of the study is to define a possible correlation between loss of shoulder external rotation following surgery for anterior shoulder instability and long-term sternoclavicular joint disorders. A group of 20 patients and a group of 20 healthy volunteers were studied. Results: In the statistical analysis of the patient group and of the two groups jointly, the association between the reduction of shoulder external rotation and the onset of disorder of SCJ appeared statistically significant. Our results provide support for an association between some disorders of the SCJ and the alterations of the shoulder kinematics associated with a reduction of ROM in external rotation. Our sample is too small to allow definitive conclusions to be drawn. These results, if confirmed by larger studies, could help us further clarify the complex kinematics of the shoulder girdle.

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.

Diagnostic value of18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography andcomputed tomography fordifferentiating polymyalgia rheumatica andrheumatoid arthritis: Using classification andregression tree analysis.

Determining which sites were important to differentiate polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) is challenging. Patients with PMR or RA who were undergoing PET-CT were recruited at two mutual-aid hospitals in Japan between 2009 and 2018. Classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were performed to identify FDG uptake patterns that differentiated PMR from RA. We enrolled 35 patients with PMR and 46 patients with RA. Univariate CART analysis showed that FDG uptake in the shoulder joints, spinous processes of the lumbar vertebrae, pubic symphysis, sternoclavicular joints, ischial tuberosities, greater trochanters, and hip joints differentiated PMR from RA. Multivariate CART analysis revealed that FDG uptake by at least one of the ischial tuberosities had the highest diagnostic value for distinguishing PMR from RA (sensitivity, 77.1%; specificity, 82.6%). We performed the same CART analysis to patients who had not undergone treatment (PMR, n = 28; RA, n = 9). Similar results were obtained, and sensitivity and specificity were increased (sensitivity, 89.3%; specificity, 88.8%). In PET-CT, FDG uptake by at least one of the ischial tuberosities best discriminates between PMR and RA.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Anatomy, Variation and Pathologies of Sternum, Sternoclavicular and Sternocostal Joints

Objective: The study aimed to assess the sternum's morphology and morphometry, and to find anomalies and diseases using breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Retrospective evaluations of 320 breast MRIs were conducted. Congenital abnormalities accompanying pathological conditions were investigated. The sternum overall’s length, the manubrium-corpus’ width and length, and the manubrium-corpus-xiphoid’s shape were all measured. The relationship between the manubriosternal fusion and age was analyzed.&#x0D; Results: Pectus excavatum, sternal band, sternal foramen, angled sternum and the sternal band, rachitic rosary, intraosseous ganglion, sternoclavicular joint degeneration, sternoclavicular joint ganglion cyst and costal cartilage calcifications, breast carcinoma metastasis, enchondroma and invasion of costal cartilages by malignant mesenchymal tumour were determined. The average length of the sternum was 144±14 mm, the manubrium length is 46±6 mm and the corpus length is 89±10 mm for adults. Manubrium was most commonly trapezoid in shape, the corpus was longitudinal oval and xiphoid was flat. 67% had no manubriosternal fusion. The degree of manubriosternal fusion did not show statistically significant correlation with increasing age.&#x0D; Conclusion: The sternum, sternoclavicular, and sternocostal joints are susceptible to a wide range of congenital abnormalities and clinical conditions. Age increase has no relation to manubriosternal fusion.

Successful treatment of pustulotic arthro-osteitis with amoxicillin: A case report and review of the literature.

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic skin inflammatory disease characterized by sterile pustules on the palms and soles. Pustulotic arthro-osteitis (PAO) is a major comorbidity of PPP, frequently affecting the anterior chest wall. PPP and PAO are thought to be closely associated with focal infection. We report a female in her 40s who developed pustules on her palms and soles with tenderness of both sternoclavicular and left sacroiliac joints, which were not improved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Of note, she showed a great response to amoxicillin, resulting in the almost complete resolution of her skin lesions and arthralgia. We also reviewed previous reports to learn more about the potential therapeutic options of antibiotics for PAO.

Figure of Eight FiberTape Stabilization for Acute Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation

Figure of Eight FiberTape Stabilization for Acute Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation

Introduction of temporomandibular joint and skull base combined reconstruction by autogenous bone graft.

This study introduces the application of autogenous bone graft for the reconstruction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and skull base combined defects. Patients treated with autogenous bone grafts for reconstruction of the TMJ and skull base were reviewed. All patients underwent virtual surgical design to confirm the osteotomies of the combined lesion and the selections of autogenous bone graft, fabrication of surgical templates to transfer the plan to actual operation, and reconstruction of autogenous bone graft for the TMJ and/or skull base. Surgical outcomes were assessed by clinical examinations and radiological data. Twenty-two patients were involved in this study. Ten patients underwent reconstruction of the skull base by a free iliac or temporal bone graft and preservation of the TMJ. Twelve patients underwent skull base reconstruction by the same methods and total reconstruction of the TMJ by half sternoclavicular joint flap or costochondral bone graft. No severe complications occurred after surgery. The occlusion relationship was stable and similar to that of the preoperative state. The pain and maximal interincisal opening were significantly improved by the 101.2-month follow-up. Autogenous bone graft is a good alternative for repairing the TMJ and the skull base structure and function. The study introduced the application of autogenous bone graft for the reconstruction of temporomandibular joint and skull base combined defect, which is a good way to repair the defect and restore the function.

The case of migration of a fragment of a Kirchner wire to the ascending aorta

Fracture and migration of fragments of a Kirchner wire is a rare but potentially dangerous complication after treatment of clavicle injuries. In the presented clinical case, the fracture of the Kirchner wire occurred 2 months after the fixation of the sternoclavicular joint. The fragment of the Kirchner wire migrated into the anterior mediastinum, penetrated into the ascending aorta with the formation of an anterior mediastinal hematoma and right-sided hemothorax. The fragment of the Kirchner wire was successfully extracted during the operation through median sternotomy. In this case, the Kirchner wire did not damage other structures and was extracted without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Safe zone of supraclavicular nerve during clavicle fixation and its anatomical variations, a cadaveric study.

Supraclavicular nerve injury is usually at risk during clavicular fracture fixation. This study aimed to examine the anatomical features and estimate the precise location of supraclavicular nerve branches related to adjacent structural landmarks and to evaluate the differences between sex and side. To highlight the clinical purposes and surgical relevance, this study attempted to define a surgical safe zone that would probably protect the supraclavicular nerve during clavicle fixation. A total of 64 shoulders obtained from 15 female and 17 male adult cadavers were examined, identifying the branching patterns of the supraclavicular nerve, measuring the clavicle length and the course of the supraclavicular nerve referring to the sternoclavicular (SC) and acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Data were categorized by sex and side, and their differences were evaluated using Student T-Test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Clinically relevant predictable safe zones were also statistically analyzed. The results revealed 7 branching patterns of the supraclavicular nerve. The medial and lateral nerve branches formed a shared trunk, and the medial nerve branches separated to form the intermediate branch, i.e., the most frequent pattern (67.19%). The safe zones were determined to be 6.1mm among both sexes of the SC joint medially, and 0.7mm among females and 0mm among males of the AC joint laterally. Surgical incisions between 29.3 to 51.2% and 60.5 to 79.7% of the clavicle length from the SC joint were the safe zones at the midclavicular shaft among both sexes. The findings of this study have provided new insights into the anatomy of the supraclavicular nerve and its variations. It has been revealed that the terminal branches of the nerve consistently pass over the clavicle in a predictable pattern, emphasizing the importance of considering the supraclavicular nerve's safe zones during clinically relevant surgeries. Nevertheless, due to individual anatomical variations, meticulous dissection between these safe zones is necessary to avoid iatrogenic nerve injury among patients. Basic Science Study, Anatomic Study.