Locked Anterior-Inferior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Case Report
Erel Ben-Ari1,2, Kevin M Magone1, Dylan T Lowe1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Shoulder and Elbow, New York University Langone Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York.
JBJS Case Connector
|April 22, 2021
Summary
This case report details a rare anterior-inferior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation. Surgical intervention, including open reduction and ligament reconstruction, successfully corrected the deformity and resolved symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Traumatology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocations are uncommon injuries.
- Anterior-inferior dislocation is a rare variant with distinct clinical presentations.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a unique locked anterior-inferior SCJ dislocation.
- The medial clavicle was displaced anteriorly and inferiorly, locking into the manubrial-intercostal space.
- Associated symptoms included painful neck spasms and limited shoulder elevation.
Findings:
- Radiographic and intraoperative findings confirmed the fixed anterior-inferior displacement.
- Nonsurgical management failed to resolve the mechanical dysfunction.
- Open reduction and ligament reconstruction were performed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare SCJ dislocation variants.
- Early surgical intervention (open reduction and ligament reconstruction) is crucial for managing locked anterior-inferior SCJ dislocations.
- Successful surgical correction led to the resolution of clinical symptoms and restoration of shoulder function.
