Sternoclavicular Joint Injuries

What is a sternoclavicular (SC) joint injury?

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is the area where the collarbone (clavicle) connects to the breastbone (sternum). This joint is very strong due to the power of its supporting ligaments. A sternoclavicular joint injury describes an injury to this joint causing the ligaments to be stretched or torn creating instability in the joint or even displacement of the bones. Sternoclavicular joint injuries are uncommon due to the strength of these ligaments, however, may be caused due by a direct blow to the collar bone or other blunt trauma. Athletes who participate in contact sports or sports where they might suffer a hard hit may be susceptible to SC joint injuries. However, automobile accidents account for about half of the SC joint injuries nationwide. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced a sternoclavicular joint injury.

What are the types of Sternoclavicular joint injuries?

Sternoclavicular joint injuries are classified based on their effect on the ligaments and bones that compose the joint. This classification falls into one of three categories:

• Grade 1: This is the least severe type of sternoclavicular joint injury where the ligaments are stretched or sprained.
• Grade 2: In this injury, the bones can be shifted out of their normal position (subluxation) due to partial tears of ligaments.
• Grade 3: This is the most severe form of a sternoclavicular joint injury where the ligaments are completely torn. This can also lead to dislocation of the joint.

What are the symptoms of an SC joint injury?

• Pain and tenderness around the SC joint near the breastbone
• Swelling or bruising
• “Cracking” or “Popping” sensation or sound in the collarbone while moving the arm
• Decreased range of motion of the arm and shoulder
• In severe cases: Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or a sense that their throat is full

How do I know if I have a sternoclavicular joint injury?

To diagnose a possible sternoclavicular joint injury, Dr. Lamplot will closely evaluate the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and concerns. He will then examine the patient for any deformities, bruising, pain, or tenderness around the SC joint and assess range of motion of their shoulder. Dr. Lamplot may also request additional diagnostic imaging such as an MRI scan or X-ray to give him a more detailed view of the joint. Dr. Lamplot will then give the patient a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for their injury.

How is an SC joint injury treated?

Non-surgical treatment:

Many patients with sternoclavicular joint injuries can be treated by conservative, non-surgical approaches. Rest and activity modifications may be recommended to allow the joint to heal on its own. Pain and swelling relief can be achieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. If the patient experienced a dislocation of the joint, Dr. Lamplot may reduce the dislocation by manipulating the joint back into the correct position. For persistent pain, a steroid (cortisone) injection may be considered.

Surgical Treatment:

Typically, only severe sternoclavicular joint injuries require surgery. The surgery a patient needs to treat their injury will vary greatly based on the components of the shoulder that were injured. Dr. Lamplot may perform a procedure to repair ligaments that were torn to provide stability to the joint. Dr. Lamplot is an experienced surgeon who will provide the best recommendation for each patient’s injury.