Traumatic sternoclavicular dislocation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Sternoclavicular joint dislocations can be anterior or posterior, resulting from distinct injury mechanisms.
• These dislocations pose challenges in treatment due to potential instability and difficulty in maintaining reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocations.
• To determine the necessity and efficacy of surgical intervention for these injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 16 patients with traumatic complete sternoclavicular dislocations treated between 1950 and 1974.
• Follow-up assessment of 12 patients to analyze functional outcomes and complications.

Main Results:

• Non-operative management was employed in several cases due to challenges with reduction and potential for recurrence.
• Open reduction was reserved for cases with associated intrathoracic complications.
• Patients demonstrated normal limb function despite residual medial clavicular prominence, with no associated pain or functional interference.

Conclusions:

• Surgical reduction of traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocations is often unnecessary.
• Sternoclavicular joint stability is not a prerequisite for normal shoulder and chest function.
• Residual clavicular prominence post-dislocation does not typically impair function or cause pain.