Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation in children-role of spiral computed tomography

Traumatic posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is an uncommon injury in children. It is not normally well seen on plain films. We report 2 cases where spiral computed tomography with intravenous contrast confirmed the clinical suspicion of sternoclavicular joint dislocation and also allowed assessment of the adjacent mediastinum for possible complications. Emergency physicians should be aware that the use of spiral computed tomography is the procedure of choice in posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation. This is particularly helpful in allowing multiplanar reconstruction to show complications arising in the mediastinum.