[Discopathy of the sternoclavicular joint]

Among the joints of the shoulder region, the sternoclavicular joint (SJ) is under the most stress. Dragging pains emanating towards the neck and the lateral parts of the shoulder are typical complaints, although swelling of the SJ is rarely observed. Degeneration of the fibrocartilagenous disc should be considered when swelling is present, especially in the case of recurrent pains lasting for several months and swelling excluding inflammatory diseases, rheumatism and degenerating arthrosis. Above all we are interested in examining discopathy of the SJ joint and, in case of unsuccessful conservative measures, effective surgical therapy. We recommend the opening of the SJ, the resection of the degenerated disc and, finally, a tight capsulorrhaphy. Six patients operated in this way showed very positive post-operative results.