Bilateral Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation with Inferior Sternal Migration: Surgical Management and One-Year
Acta Orthopaedica Belgica
|August 6, 2026
Summary
This case study details a rare bilateral sternoclavicular joint dislocation with sternal displacement and rib fractures. Surgical repair and rehabilitation led to good functional recovery, highlighting complex trauma management.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Bilateral sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation is exceedingly rare.
- Inferior sternal body migration and multiple rib fractures are uncommon co-occurring injuries.
- High-energy thoracic crush trauma presents complex management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of bilateral SCJ dislocation with inferior sternal migration.
- To describe the multidisciplinary surgical approach for this complex injury.
- To discuss the clinical outcomes and insights gained from managing associated neurological deficits.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 51-year-old male with high-energy thoracic crush trauma.
- Surgical management included SCJ reduction, ligament reconstruction, clavicular fixation, and humeral shaft fixation.
- Postoperative diagnosis and management of C8-T1 brachial plexus neuropathy.
Main Results:
- Successful surgical reduction and fixation of bilateral SCJ dislocation and clavicular fracture.
- Achieved full functional recovery in the right upper limb at one-year follow-up.
- Residual left upper limb limitation attributed to traumatic brachial plexus neuropathy, not mechanical instability.
Conclusions:
- This case highlights an unusual combination of severe thoracic trauma, bilateral SCJ dislocation, and neurological injury.
- Multidisciplinary management is crucial for optimizing outcomes in such complex cases.
- Understanding the interplay between mechanical instability and neurological deficits is key for patient recovery.
