[Traumatic sternoclavicular instability. A therapeutic alternative]

Traumatic instability of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare diagnosis. It is usually treated by different bandaging techniques without the possibility of early functional aftercare. In the period between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1998, a total of eight patients with unstable sternoclavicular joints requiring surgical treatment were treated with Balser plates. The population comprised seven anterior and one posterior dislocations. The results achieved with this alternative treatment option, which offers the advantage of enabling early functional aftercare, are presented. Seven of eight patients were available for follow-up. The eighth patient moved from the area. The Constant Score ranged between 84 and 100 points (average 89 +/- 6.6).