How is posterior sternoclavicular dislocation diagnosed?
The computed tomography (CT) scan was found to be the best diagnostic procedure to assess the integrity of the sternoclavicular joint. The cause of the dislocation was most commonly lateral compression of the shoulders sustained during contact sports, particularly football and hockey.
How is a dislocated clavicle treated?
Most patients can be treated conservatively with a sling, NSAIDs, and ice. This typically results in a favorable outcome with the joint stabilizing in the subluxed position.
Why is posterior sternoclavicular dislocation potentially life treating?
Posterior dislocation of the SCJ can be associated with life threatening complications such as neurovascular, tracheal and oesophageal injuries. Due to the high mortality associated with such complications, these injuries need to be recognised acutely and managed promptly.
What type of SC dislocation is life threatening?
Acute posterior dislocations of the SC joint can be life‐threatening as the posteriorly displaced clavicle can cause damage to vital vascular and respiratory structures such as the aortic arch, the carotid and subclavian arteries, and the trachea.
What type of shoulder dislocation is the most common?
The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated joint of the body. Because it moves in several directions, your shoulder can dislocate forward, backward or downward. The most common variety is a forward (anterior) dislocation.
Why can’t you fix a dislocated collarbone?
Sternoclavicular injuries are usually treated without surgery. Many doctors are not comfortable performing surgery on these types of injuries because of the risk to the neurovascular structures that are just behind this area in the neck.
Can a dislocated clavicle heal itself?
A broken collarbone, or clavical, is a common sports injury and, traditionally, people let the break heal naturally. But, sometimes, surgery is best to maintain shoulder functionality and avoid later discomfort.
How long does it take for a sternoclavicular joint to heal?
The prognosis for sternoclavicular injuries is generally favorable. In sprains or grade I injuries, the ligamentous structures are intact, and patients will make a full recovery in 1 to 2 weeks. In grade II injuries in which there was a traumatic or spontaneous subluxation, recovery takes longer.
Will my shoulder ever be the same after dislocation?
Some people tear ligaments, tendons and other tissues when they dislocate their shoulder. If these tissues have been damaged, you may need surgery to repair them. This can significantly reduce the chance of dislocating the same shoulder again in the future for some people.
