Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video discussing dislocation injuries associated with the sternoclavicular joint.anterior and posterior dislocation.
The SC joint is supported by strong ligaments. Dislocations of the SC joint can occur due to injury of this region. The clavicle will either dislocate in front (anterior) or it can dislocate behind (posterior).
Anterior dislocation
•The end of the clavicle will stick out near the sternum causing a bump in the middle of the chest. The presence of a bump in this area does not however mean that there is an anterior dislocation.
•The abnormality can be caused due to infection, tumor or arthritis.
•CT scan may be necessary for the diagnosis.
•History of trauma and pain
•Bump/swelling or noticeable deformity.
•Condition is benign
•Direct pressure may reduce the joint.
•Closed reduction involves pulling, pushing and moving the clavicle until it pops back into the joint. Closed reduction is often not successful.
•Conservative treatment: sling, ice therapy.
•Recurrence is common.
•Residual cosmetic deformity.
•Rarely symptomatic.
Operative techniques (Rarely used)
•Resection arthroplasty preserving the costoclavicular ligament.
•Sternoclavicular reconstruction with graft.
Posterior dislocation (dangerous)
•May cause the patient t have difficulty breathing and painful swallowing due to compression of the structures behind the sternum.
•Xrays are not helpful.
•Obtain CT scans
Treatment of posterior dislocation
•Urgent closed reduction is mandatory.
•Closed reduction is often successful and stable.
•Open reduction may be required if closed reduction is unsuccessfulcardiac surgeon consultation may be helpful.