Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Anterior Capsular Reconstruction with Human Dermal Allograft for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears
Published on: May 9, 2025
Sternoclavicular Reconstruction in the Young Active Patient: Risk Factor Analysis and Clinical Outcomes at Short-Term
Nicholas Kusnezov1, John C Dunn, Jeffrey M DeLong
1*Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX; and †Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Objective:
To determine the functional outcomes in young, active individuals after sternoclavicular (SC) joint reconstruction.
Design:
Level IV, case series.
Setting:
United States military hospitals, 2008-2012.
Patients/Participants:
Retrospective review of all consecutive patients from the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool was performed. Patients who underwent other open-shoulder procedures (eg, acromioclavicular joint reconstruction), those of nonmilitary or retired status, and patients with under 12-month minimum follow-up without medical separation were excluded from further analysis.
Intervention:
Open reconstruction of SC joint dislocation.
Main Outcome Measures:
Primary outcomes of interest were clinical failure and medical separation due to persistent shoulder girdle dysfunction. Demographic data, surgical technique, outcomes, complications, and occupational military outcomes were recorded.
Results:
Fourteen patients, with an average age of 26 years, experienced 8 anterior (57.1%) and 6 posterior (42.9%) SC joint dislocations. Four patients (28.6%) presented with dysphagia or dyspnea, and 10 patients (71.4%) had a missed diagnosis with an average of 13 months until diagnosis. Twelve of 14 (85.7%) patients underwent figure-of-eight tendon reconstruction, and 10 (71.4%) were able to return to full active military duty at an average 26.8 ± 12.9 months follow-up. There were 6 complications in 5 patients (35.7%), whereas 2 (14.3%) reported persistent instability and 2 (14.3%) required reoperation.
Conclusions:
SC joint dislocations are rare injuries that are frequently missed on clinical presentation in this study. However, acute or delayed surgical reconstruction may afford predictable rates of return to function in young active military service members.
Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
More Related Videos
15:11Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling
Published on: January 5, 2015
06:57Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:17The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:26Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
01:22Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
01:19Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...