Dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. Evaluation using paraxial computed tomographic reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Sternoclavicular (SC) dislocations are infrequent, accounting for less than 1% of all dislocations.
• The SC joint, crucial for upper extremity axial skeleton articulation, has minimal osseous stability.
• Dislocations are typically anterior or posterior, with anterior being more prevalent.

Observation:

• This report describes a rare case of anterior sternoclavicular dislocation with a significant superior displacement.
• The unique presentation required advanced imaging for accurate assessment.

Findings:

• Coronal paraxial computed tomographic (CT) reconstruction proved highly effective in evaluating this complex SC joint injury.
• CT imaging provided detailed visualization of the dislocation's superior component.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering unusual presentations of SC dislocations.
• Advanced imaging techniques like CT reconstruction are vital for diagnosing and managing complex sternoclavicular joint injuries.
• Understanding these injuries aids orthopedic surgeons in treatment planning and patient outcomes.