Operative treatment outcomes of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation using two experimental methods - an acromioclavicular joint hook plate versus a locking plate: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the intraoperative and early postoperative clinical outcomes of using an acromioclavicular joint hook plate (AJHP) versus a locking plate (LP) in the treatment of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation. METHODS: Seventeen patients with anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation were retrospectively analyzed from May 2014 to September 2019. Six patients were surgically treated with an AJHP, and 11 were surgically treated with an LP. Five male and one female patients composed the AJHP group, and nine male and two female patients composed the LP group. The mean age of all patients was 49.5 years. RESULTS: Reduction and fixation were performed with AJHP or LP in all 17 patients. The mean operative blood loss, operative time, and length of incision in the AJHP group were significantly better than those in the LP group. Shoulder girdle movement of the AJHP group was significantly better than that of the LP group. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that AJHP facilitated glenohumeral joint motion, reduced the risk of rupture of mediastinal structures, required a shorter incision, and had lesser blood loss and a shorter duration of operation compared with LP. However, some deficiencies require further improvement.

Outcomes of augmented allograft figure-of-eight sternoclavicular joint reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) instability is a rare condition resulting in impaired function and shoulder girdle pain. Various methods for stabilizing the SCJ have been proposed, with biomechanical analysis demonstrating superior stiffness and peak load properties with a figure-of-8 tendon graft technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of SCJ reconstruction with an interference screw figure-of-8 allograft tendon technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a consecutive cohort of patients from 2007 to 2011 was performed for all patients undergoing SCJ reconstruction for instability. All patients were treated for SCJ instability with a figure-of-8 allograft reconstruction augmented by 2 tenodesis screws. Outcomes were performed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score for all patients. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were included in the study, with an average follow-up of 38 months (range, 11.6-66.8 months). Preoperatively, the mean ASES score was 35.3 points (range, 21.7-55 points), whereas the postoperative mean ASES score increased to 84.7 points (range, 66.6-95 points). The mean VAS score improved from 7.0 (range, 5-10) before surgery to 1.15 (range, 0-3) at follow-up, and the QuickDASH score average was 17.0 points (range, 0 to 38.6 points). Minor postoperative complications were noted in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent repair of SCJ instability by an augmented figure-of-8 allograft tendon reconstruction report marked improvements in both shoulder function and pain relief.

Figure-of-Eight Cerclage With High-Resistance Sutures Plus InternalBrace as Treatment for Posterior Dislocation of the Sternoclavicular Joint: A Case Report.

The sternoclavicular joint dislocation is a very infrequent injury that can put the patient's life at risk if it is not diagnosed and treated properly. This can present as an anterior or posterior dislocation, the latter being less common and more dangerous due to its proximity to visceral structures of the thoracic cavity. Herein, we present the case of a 19-year-old male athlete diagnosed with a posterior dislocation of the right sternoclavicular joint due to indirect trauma during a soccer match, who was successfully treated with a figure-of-eight cerclage with high-resistance sutures plus an InternalBrace technique. After recovery, he has been able to get back to sports with a complete range of motion and experiencing no instability after a two-year follow-up. Figure-of-eight cerclage with high-resistance sutures plus an InternalBrace could be a good technique for surgical treatment of this rare injury, especially in young and physically active patients.

[Treatment concepts for the medial clavicle and the sternoclavicular joint]. / Versorgungskonzepte der medialen Klavikula und des Sternoklavikulargelenks.

Medial clavicle fractures and injuries to the sternoclavicular joint are rare injuries but can have life-threatening consequences. There are no standardized treatment algorithms or guidelines for the diagnostics and treatment. This article provides an overview of the individual topographies as well as the conservative and surgical treatment strategies.Conservative treatment is preferred for medial clavicle fractures. The indications for surgical treatment are variable but this is frequently carried out if there is a fracture displacement > 1 cm or 1 shaft width and high functional demands. In the case of accompanying injuries to neurovascular structures, an open fracture or the threat of perforation of the skin, surgical treatment is mandatory. Open reduction and internal fixation using (locking) plates is currently the preferred form of treatment.In the case of posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint, an immediate closed reduction must be attempted with the patient under analgosedation and with emergency treatment on standby. This temporal urgency does not exist for anterior and superior dislocations. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of unsuccessful reduction, persistent symptomatic instability or injuries of the neurovascular bundle. From a multitude of treatment options, arthrodesis with suture cerclage has shown good results. Tendon grafts as well as special hook plates are increasingly being used due to better biomechanical qualities. The surgical treatment of combined injuries is determined by the individual injury pattern.Despite the variety of treatment strategies, the long-term outcome has consistently been positively described.

Chest and Thorax Injuries in Athletes.

Injuries to the chest and thorax are rare, but when they occur, they can be life-threatening. It is important to have a high index of suspicion to be able to make these diagnoses when evaluating a patient with a chest injury. Often, sideline management is limited and immediate transport to a hospital is indicated.

Management of Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation in a Teenager After a Direct Elbow Strike to His Clavicle: A Case Report.

Posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare orthopedic injury and may result in complications with high mortality due to the location of the joint, accompanied by neurovascular, tracheal, and esophageal injuries. Therefore, an immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent complications. In this case, a 13-year-old male patient received an elbow strike to the left clavicle while playing football. The patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of pain, a gap and deformity in the superior and medial part of his sternum, and numbness in his left upper extremity. For this orthopedic emergency, which is difficult to recognize on direct radiographs, a computed tomography was done, which detected a left sternoclavicular joint posterior dislocation. A closed reduction procedure was performed on the patient under sedation in the operating theatre. A serendipity view with the fluoroscopy showed a successful closed reduction. A shoulder arm sling was applied and the patient was followed regularly. In the fourth week, the shoulder arm sling was removed and exercises were started to increase joint movements. In the sixth week, muscle strengthening exercises were started and in the eighth week, a full range of motion was reached with full muscle strength without any deformity. In this case, possible mortal complications were prevented with early intervention in the posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. This case report shows that with timely rehabilitation, it is possible to achieve full joint range of motion of the shoulder and full muscle strength without deformity or the need for surgery.

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation with thoracic costovertebral joints fracture-dislocations: A case report.

Case: A 59-year-old man presented with posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation concomitant with fracture-dislocations of multiple thoracic costovertebral joints caused by traumatic injury. The posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation was treated using an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber cable and the joint was stabilized. The degree of malpositioning of the thoracic costovertebral joints was difficult to reduce. Conclusion: The patient achieved an excellent shoulder range of motion at 12 months postoperatively; however, chronic shoulder stiffness and posterior neck discomfort persisted.

Repair of sternoclavicular joint ligament: a novel approach.

BACKGROUND: Posterior sternoclavicular dislocations are common in younger patients and are frequently due to high energy sporting incidents. AIM: We aim to demonstrate a novel technique that is safe and aims to provide good functional post-operative outcomes for patients with this injury. METHODS: This was a single-surgeon case series of four young patients from October 2017 to July 2019. The operative technique involved relocating the joint and holding it in situ with nylon suture tape. The tape was anchored in holes drilled in the sternum and passed through tunnels drilled into the medial clavicle. All of the patients were contacted retrospectively and a Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) was performed for each patient on a post-operative basis. RESULTS: No intra-operative or post-operative complications were noted. All of the patients demonstrated a significant improvement in their functional outcomes after the operation. The average NCS for the four patients was 82/100. DISCUSSION: There are a variety of techniques described in the literature to repair this ligament using either plates or tendon grafts. All of these techniques describe the drilling of anteroposterior holes in the manubrium and clavicle which run the intra-operative risk of perforating a major vessel. This paper is the first one to describe a technique which uses superior inferior holes which minimizes the risks, making the procedure safer for the patient. CONCLUSIONS: We believe this novel technique is safer than the existing described techniques, and it does not compromise on functional outcomes.

Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sports After Open Reduction and Hamstring Tendon Autograft Reconstruction in Patients With Acute Traumatic First-Time Posterior Dislocation of the Sternoclavicular Joint.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic posterior dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) are rare. Multiple case reports, case series, and systematic reviews have been published on the treatment of posterior SCJ dislocations. However, they have usually been of small numbers, described a variety of surgical techniques on a mixture of acute and chronic dislocations, and have not focused on functional recovery or return to sports. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and return to sports after SCJ open reduction and reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft in patients with an acute first-time traumatic posterior dislocation of the SCJ. We hypothesized that SCJ open reduction and reconstruction would result in high survivorship, good clinical outcomes, and a high rate of return to sports. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This study included all patients who underwent SCJ open reduction and reconstruction within 14 days of sustaining a first-time traumatic posteriorly dislocated SCJ, with a minimum 3-year follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed by the following scores: short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Rockwood SCJ, modified Constant, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Survivorship was defined as no clinical failure, such as instability or recurrent dislocation, and no revision surgery. Return to sports was assessed using a customized questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients who underwent surgery were included, with a mean age of 30.8 years (range, 18-52 years). Seventeen patients were available at final follow-up at a mean 94.5 months (range, 37-155 months). At final follow-up, the mean scores were as follows: QuickDASH, 4.3 (range, 0-20.4); Rockwood, 13.9 (range, 12-15); modified Constant, 94.4 (range, 71-100); and SANE, 92.1 (range, 70-100). The construct survivorship was 96%. Of the 14 patients who participated in sports, 12 (86%) returned to their preinjury levels. CONCLUSION: After an acute first-time traumatic posterior SCJ dislocation, open reduction and stabilization with a hamstring tendon autograft, undertaken within 14 days of injury, provides good clinical outcomes and high rates of survivorship and return to sports.

Anterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint: A novel surgical technique.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation (SCJ) is a relative rare injury, related to high energy trauma. The objective of the present study is to present a novel suture technique for treatment of anterior SCJ traumatic dislocation and to report clinical outcomes from a small case series undergoing this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients presenting with traumatic anterior SCJ disruption in our institution were eligible to participate. Surgical technique consisted of two bone tunnels drilled in vertical direction from the anterior to the posterior cortex of the manubrium. Analogous to the sternal side of the clavicle, two vertical bone tunnels were drilled from the anterior cortex towards the posterior cortex. A non-absorbable suture was passed though the four holes in a parallel configuration. Then, by pulling the free suture edges the posterior translation of the clavicle was performed. Two additional drill holes, the first in manubrium and the second in clavicle were performed from the anterior cortex to the posterior between the previous bone tunnels. A non-absorbable suture was placed in a simple configuration in order to stabilize the SCJ in the superior-inferior direction. The final follow up was 28.2 months. The mean QuickDASH was used for functional assessment. RESULTS: Seven patients (6 males and 1 female) with average age of 34,8 years were included in the present study. Two patients suffered from concomitant medial clavicle fracture. At final follow-up (none of the patients had experienced any symptoms of instability of SCJ, no side-to-side difference was observed, while the Mean QuickDASH score was 4.85. CONCLUSION: The reported technique for SCJ reconstruction in traumatic anterior SCJ dislocations with two sutures has theoretical advantages, since it stabilizes the SCJ in the antero-posterior, as well as the supero- inferior direction. Outcomes from this small case series are favorable. However, more research is desirable to compare different techniques and to conclude to the optimal surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment for sternoclavicular joint dislocations.

Introduction: Sternoclavicular joint dislocations are infrequent among all joint injuries. Conservative management is often described and recommended as a means of closed reduction and immobilization of the affected limb. This study aims to review results of patients affected by this injury who were treated surgically using locking plates. Materials and methods: A descriptive case series study was carried out. Cases of patients affected with sternoclavicular joint dislocation treated with open reduction and fixation with locking plates between 2009 and 2019 were included. The Constant score was applied to each patient to assess functional outcome. Results: According to inclusion criteria, 15 patients were included, 12 males and 3 females. Post-operative assessment showed very positive results since the range of Constant scores was consistently over 90 in all cases. Discussion: Fixation of sternoclavicular joint dislocations using locking plates had a low complication rate and provided good functional results.Level of evidenceIV.

Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation: А Case Report.

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation is a rare condition. In this paper, we present a 51-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department in our hospital after he was hit by a mining railway wagon in the chest. A diagnosis of posterior sternoclavicular dislocation was confirmed after performing a CT scan. Following necessary preparations, the sternoclavicular joint was stabilized with two wire cerclage techniques during open reduction. During control at the postoperative 4th week, the range of motion at the shoulder was satisfactory, but the patient had mild pain at the joint level and was sent to physical therapy to improve the range of motion and to minimize the pain.

Superior sternoclavicular joint dislocation presented with shoulder motion limitation: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Sternoclavicular joint dislocation accounts for 1 percent of the human joint dislocations. Sternoclavicular joint dislocation most commonly occurs in anterior or posterior dislocation. To the best of the authors knowledge, only six cases of superior sternoclavicular joint dislocation are reported in the literature. The injury is commonly missed. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 28-year-old athlete with upper chest pain and right shoulder range of motion limitation. On imaging, it was revealed that he had a superior sternoclavicular dislocation. He was managed with arm sling, analgesics and physiotherapy. After 3 months, he was asymptomatic and returned to his sport activity successfully. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We searched the published related studies and summarized the signs and symptoms of patients presented with sternoclavicular dislocation. Chest pain is one of the most common symptom while sternoclavicular tenderness and restriction of shoulder movement are among the most common signs of sternoclavicular dislocations. Conservative, close reduction, and open reduction and internal fixation with fiber wire have been applied for cases with superior sternoclavicular dislocation with acceptable results. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion is needed in order not to miss sternoclavicular dislocation. In cases with no evidence of mediastinal structure compression it may be managed conservatively successfully. However, some degree of cosmetic deformity may remain at the sternoclavicular joint in those treated with conservative therapy.

Long-term results for traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocation treated with a sternoclavicular joint-specific plate.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of traumatic sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation (SCJD) with internal fixation has been reported with good short-term results, but data on its long-term results are scarce. METHODS: Patients with traumatic SCJD treated with an SCJ-specific plate between January 2003 and January 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. All implants were routinely removed. Data from radiography, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the visual analogue scale and abduction and forward elevation of the shoulder were collected and evaluated before the index surgery, at implant removal and at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were included in this study with a mean follow-up period of 94.8 months. All patients maintained good reduction after the index surgery and implant removal. The visual analogue scale significantly improved from 7.1 ± 1.3 before the index surgery to 0.9 ± 1.0 at implant removal (P < 0.001) and to 1.0 ± 1.1 at the latest follow-up (P < 0.001); the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score significantly improved from 37.9 ± 10.1 to 90.8 ± 7.8 (P < 0.001) and to 86.7 ± 8.6; and both abduction and forward elevation of the shoulder significantly improved at the latest follow-up (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the clinical results after implant removal. CONCLUSION: Traumatic SCJD treated with an SCJ-specific plate appeared to be efficient, with satisfactory clinical and radiological results at long-term follow-up.

Emergent Management of Traumatic Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation is a rare but serious orthopedic injury. Posterior dislocations are more concerning due to the SCJ's proximity to visceral structures such as the trachea, esophagus, subclavian vessels, and brachial plexus. Due to the potential long-term sequelae of missed diagnosis, clinical suspicion should be high when a patient presents with a compression-type injury to the shoulder girdle and pain or deformity to the SCJ.  Here we present a case of a 15-year-old soccer player who presented to the emergency department (ED) after a fall onto his right shoulder with additional compound injuries. A posterior SCJ dislocation diagnosis was suspected and confirmed after a computed tomography scan. A successful closed reduction was done in the ED after consultation with cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgery.  This case adds to the body of literature describing diagnosis and management of posterior SCJ dislocations.

Medial injuries of the clavicle: more prevalent than expected? A big data analysis of incidence, age, and gender distribution based on nationwide routine data.

PURPOSE: Although shoulder-girdle injuries occur frequently, injuries of the medial part remain widely unexplored. This study overviews these rare injuries with a focus on incidence, age, and sex distribution in Germany. METHODS: The data are based on diagnoses according to ICD-10 in all German hospitals provided by the German Federal Statistical Office. ICD-10 codes S42.01 (medial clavicle fracture, MCF) and S43.2 (sternoclavicular joint dislocation, SCJD) were evaluated in detail between 2012 and 2014. RESULTS: We identified 14,264 cases with medial clavicle injuries (MCIs). MCFs occurred more often (11.6% of all clavicle-related shoulder-girdle injuries vs. 0.6% for SCJD). Mean ages of MCI were significantly different between males (43.7 years) and females (57.1 years) (p < 0.01). Age demonstrated a bimodal distribution with peaks at 20 and 50 years, which were predominantly associated with males. Females showed more injuries at age beyond 70 years. This applies to both SCJD and MCF. The incidence rate of these shoulder-girdle injuries was 47.0 per 100,000 person-years, for MCIs overall 5.9 (4.1 for men, 1.8 for women). This indicates disparity with a significant predominance of male patients over females as for all shoulder-girdle injuries (p < 0.01). Among children (< 16 years old), the incidence rate showed no significant difference in gender ratio. CONCLUSION: MCIs appear more frequently than estimated so far and are distinguished from other clavicle fractures in that they occur more at higher age and peaking around 50 years. Further work on possible prevention strategies should focus on the most frequently affected groups of men around 20 and 50 years old.

Monopolar and Bipolar Combination Injuries of the Clavicle: Retrospective Incidence Analysis and Proposal of a New Classification System.

Clavicle injuries are common, but only few case reports describe combined clavicular injuries (CCI). CCI include combinations between clavicular fractures and acromioclavicular/sternoclavicular joint dislocations (SCJD). We present the first general therapeutic recommendations for CCI based on a new classification and their distribution. A retrospective, epidemiological, big data analysis was based on ICD-10 diagnoses from 2012 to 2014 provided by the German Federal Statistical Office. CCI represent 0.7% of all clavicle-related injuries (n = 814 out of 114,003). SCJD show by far the highest proportion of combination injuries (13.2% of all SCJD were part of CCI) while the proportion of CCI in relation to the other injury entities was significantly less (p < 0.023). CCIs were classified depending on (1) the polarity (monopolar type I, 92.2% versus bipolar type II, 7.8%). Monopolar type I was further differentiated depending on (2) the positional relationship between the combined injuries: Ia two injuries directly at the respective pole versus Ib with an injury at one end plus an additional midshaft clavicle fracture. Type II was further differentiated depending on (3) the injured structures: IIa ligamento-osseous, type IIb purely ligamentous (rarest with 0.6%). According to our classification, the CCI severity increases from type Ia to IIb. CCI are more important than previously believed and seen as an indication for surgery. The exclusion of further, contra-polar injuries in the event of a clavicle injury is clinically relevant and should be focused.

Positional anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation in the acceleration phase of throwing: a case report.

Positional anterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation is relatively rare and needs careful treatment. We report our course of treatment and tips for surgery in a case. The patient was a 16-year-old male outfield baseball player. Three years ago, he had 3 recurrent episodes of right shoulder dislocation. During these injuries, there were forward dislocations of the proximal right clavicle edge accompanied by a creaking sound during the throw acceleration period. Thereafter, the anterior dislocation of the SCJ occurred during the acceleration phase of throwing, and the SCJ naturally repositioned on the shoulder resting position. This situation lingered and he often felt shoulder apprehension during throws, so he opted for surgical treatment just 1 month after the first injury. We performed a modified version of the figure-of-8 technique reported by Wang et al, using the ipsilateral palmaris longus (PL) tendon. The bilateral edge of the PL was attached to a Krackow suture and passed through the bone tunnels opened at the proximal clavicle and proximal sternum so that it became a figure of 8 on the anterior of the SCJ. The stability of the SCJ was confirmed after the surgery.

Posteriorly displaced salter halter fracture-dislocation at the sternoclavicular joint with associated thoracic outlet syndrome: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior sternoclavicular joint fracture-dislocations are a rare and often missed diagnosis. They represent <1% of shoulder girdle injuries and are nine times less common than anterior dislocations. These injuries can be associated with life-threatening complications such as compression of the superior mediastinal structures including the great vessels and brachial plexus. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This case describes a 23-year-old woman who was initially discharged from the emergency department but represented 8 days later with symptoms of venous and neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome as a result of posterior displacement of a Salter 2 fracture-dislocation at the sternoclavicular joint. Multidisciplinary consensus and patient preference resulted in the conservative management of her injuries with intensive rehabilitation and close outpatient follow-up. DISCUSSION: The evidence regarding this rare injury is evolving. It currently suggests all posteriorly displaced fracture-dislocations at the sternoclavicular joint are reduced. Closed reduction is often unsuccessful and open reduction is high risk and must be undertaken in the presence of a cardiothoracic surgeon which may not always be appropriate or in line with patient preferences. There are limited reports of successful conservative management of these injuries and none in the setting of thoracic outlet syndrome. CONCLUSION: This unique case report is the first to describe outcomes of a conservatively managed, posteriorly displaced fracture-dislocation at the sternoclavicular joint with associated venous and neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. This information will benefit select patients.

Ipsilateral sternoclavicular joint anterior dislocation with fracture of the mid shaft of the clavicle.

Even though fractures of the clavicle are very common but fracture of the shaft of clavicle associated with sternoclavicular joint dislocation is extremely rare. This is a case report of a 50-year old woman who met with a road accident. Radiographs revealed right mid shaft clavicle fracture with inferior angulation of fracture fragments, anterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint. The sternoclavicular joint was stabilized with sutures whereas the midshaft fracture was managed non-operatively. In postoperative period the sternoclavicular joint was found stable whereas the shaft clavicle united completely after 6 months.