Traumatic sternoclavicular dislocation

Traumatic dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint may be anterosternal or retrosternal. Anterior dislocation is due to forces which retract and depress the clavicle. Posterior dislocation is due to either direct force on the medial end of the clavicle or to a force acting on the posterolateral aspect of the shoulder. From 1950 to 1974 we treated 16 patients with traumatic complete sternoclavicular dislocations. Twelve patients were followed and their cases are discussed. Treatment may be closed or open. In some cases we did not attempt reduction because it may be very difficult to maintain and dislocation may recur. Open reduction is extremely difficult and not recommended unless a serious intrathoracic problem also exists. Based on our cases, we conclude that stability of the sternoclavicular joint is not necessary to ensure normal function of the involved limb. The residual prominence of the medial portion of the clavicle does not cause pain and does not interfere with chest or shoulder function.