Dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint: anatomic basis, etiologies, and radiologic diagnosis

Abstract

Dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint are relatively uncommon, but diagnosis and management can be difficult, with posterior dislocations being potentially very serious. The anatomy of the joint, and the mechanisms of dislocation, are described. The radiologic diagnosis is discussed and three case reports are presented to illustrate varieties of dislocation. Although computed tomography is the ideal method of demonstrating the sternoclavicular joint, some specialized plain film projections are often useful. These should be more widely known and are described and illustrated. Treatment is briefly discussed.