Sternoclavicular dislocation

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Background

  • Very stable joint making a dislocation rare; majority of injuries are simple sprains
  • Dislocations usually require severe force (MVC, sports injuries)
    • Mechanism either direct blow to the chest, or lateral compression
  • Anterior dislocations are much more common than posterior
  • Due to both force and anatomic location, damage to the brachial plexus, subclavian, trachea, and esophagus may occur[1]
  • Trivia - SC joint is only true articulation between the upper extremity and the axial skeleton

Clinical Features

Sternoclavicular dislocation

Sprain

  • Pain and swelling are localized to the joint

Dislocation

  • Severe pain that is exacerbated by arm motion and lying supine
  • Shoulder appears shortened and rolled forward
  • Anterior dislocation: prominent medial clavicle end is visible/palpable ant to sternum
  • Posterior dislocation: Medial end is less visible and often not palpable
    • If there is delay in presentation, edema may have developed making depression of the medial head less obvious

Differential Diagnosis

Thoracic Trauma

Diagnosis

  • CT
    • Study of choice (plain films may not be diagnostic)
    • Consider IV contrast if concern for injury to mediastinal structures
  • Serendipity view Xray
    • Xray taken at a 40 degree cephalic tilt may be useful if CT unavailable.[1]
  • MRI is a consideration, though less likely to be practical

Management

  • Symptoms of stridor, shortness of breath, or dysphagia, indicate aerodigestive tract injury and require immediate reduction. Also immediately reduce if evidence of vascular occlusion.

Sprain

  • Rice, sling, analgesics

Anterior Dislocation

  • May discharged without attempted reduction (no impact on function)
  • Clavicular splinting, ice, analgesics
  • Ortho referral within several days

Posterior Dislocation

  • May be associated with life-threatening injuries:
    • Pneumothorax, compression/laceration of surrounding great vessels, trachea, or esophagus
  • Consult ortho for closed reduction (ideally performed in the OR or under Procedural Sedation)
    • Reduction must be performed with Cardiothoracic Surgery on-call or nearby due to potential for great vessel injury during reduction / manipulation
  • Create a sterile field with appropriate skin prep.
  • A metal towel clip is inserted percutaneously and is used to grasp the medial clavicle, pulling anteriorly until reduction is complete
  • May be observed afterwards due to severity of trauma and risk for vascular injury[2]

Disposition

  • Anterior dislocation
    • Ortho follow up within several days
  • Posterior dislocation
    • Immediate ortho consult, with potential transfer to facility with BOTH Ortho and CT surgery

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Balcik BJ et al. Evaluation and treatment of sternoclavicular, clavicular, and acromioclavicular injuries. Prim Care Clin Office Pract 40 (2013): 911-923. PMID: 24209725
  2. Deren ME et al. Posterior sternoclavicular dislocations: a brief review and technique for closed management of a rare but serious injury. Orthopedic Reviews 2014; 6: 5245. PMID: 24744842