Conservative management of sternoclavicular injuries

Injuries to the sternoclavicular joint are rare because of its strong ligamentous support. Because of the strong forces involved and the proximity of the joint to the great vessels and other mediastinal structures, however, sternoclavicular injuries can be very serious and potentially life threatening. Sternoclavicular injuries include traumatic sprains and dislocations, atraumatic spontaneous dislocations, and epiphyseal fractures in patients under 25 years of age. Diagnosis is made by history, physical examination, and radiographic studies such as the CT scan. Conservative management consists of benign neglect and closed or percutaneous reduction and immobilization. If the injury is treated acutely, conservative management often produces good long-term results.