Sternoclavicular Joint Disorder
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Anatomy of the Sternoclavicular Joint (SC joint)
The sternoclavicular joint is one of the joints found on the center of your chest. It connects the clavicle (collarbone) to the sternum (breastbone) and is considered part of your shoulder complex. It is a part of the shoulder complex because it’s important for this joint to function normally to allow for normal shoulder motion.
Sternoclavicular joint disorder
The stability of this joint is supported strongly by 4 distinct ligaments and the subclavius muscle. Due to the strength of these ligaments and overall stability of this joint, most injuries are likely associated with severe trauma or arthritis.
What Are The Different Types Of Sternoclavicular Joint Disorders?
There are generally 3 categories associated with sternoclavicular joint disorders. Diagnosis for these disorders is typically done with imaging such as X-ray, CT or MRI. We’ll explore the signs and symptoms associated with each one as well as treatment options that are available.
1. Dislocations or fractures at the Sternoclavicular or SC Joint
Dislocations to the sternoclavicular joint can occur in the anterior (the collarbone is pushed forward) or posterior (collarbone is pushed backward). The forward direction is more common. Dislocations usually occur due to trauma such as a car accident or a fall from a substantial height.
Posterior dislocations are a less common type of sternoclavicular joint disorder due to the strength of those posterior ligaments. These can be more serious, however, due to the vital structures that are located close to this joint that can be affected such as the esophagus, trachea and major blood vessels.
Fractures to the sternoclavicular joint are also called Salter-Harris fractures. These are also likely to occur due to trauma and can be caused by shoulder injuries where the force of the fall or compression is directly transmitted to the SC joint.
SC Joint and Clavicle Fracture
Signs and symptoms associated with a dislocation or fracture typically include:
- Immediate pain and swelling along the SC joint following the injury
- Soreness
- Clicking and popping
- Pain and difficulty with moving the arm
Treatment of SC Joint Dislocations:
Anterior or posterior dislocations can be reduced or put back in place under general anesthesia by an orthopedist or surgeon. This is then followed by placing the arm in a sling for immobilization for 6 weeks to allow for the ligaments and muscles to heal.
If reductions are unsuccessful, then surgery may be required.
Fractures are treated with rest and immobilization for 6 weeks if it’s stable. For unstable fractures, surgery may be required to correct the sternoclavicular joint disorder.
2. Sternoclavicular Joint Arthritis
Degenerative joint changes that can be moderate to severe are typically associated with those over the age of 60, post-menopausal women, and manual laborers
Signs and symptoms associated with this condition typically include:
- Pain with moving the arm overhead beyond 90 degrees
- Localized swelling along the SC joint
- Aching
- History of SC joint dislocation or fracture
Treatment of Joint Arthritis:
- Rest, ice, NSAIDs
- Corticosteroid injection
- Possibly surgery depending on the severity of the condition
3. Sprain in the Sternoclavicular Joint
Minor sprains are usually caused by an overstretch of the ligaments that surround the sternoclavicular joint
Signs and symptoms for a sprain include:
- Pain and mild swelling
- Difficulty and pain with raising the arm overhead
- Clicking and popping
- Bruising or tenderness along the SC joint
Treatment of a Sprained Shoulder Joint:
- Immobilization in a sling for 1-2 weeks for mild sprains and 4-6 for more moderate to severe sprains
- NSAIDs
- Ice
- Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength
Although sternoclavicular joint injuries are rare, complications that arise from dislocations can be serious. Please make sure to contact your physician right away if you start to have any severe symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Hoarseness
- Cough
- Feelings of choking
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