Reconstruction for anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation and instability

Abstract

Background: Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) instability is relatively rare. Surgical treatment may be considered for severely displaced dislocations or symptomatic recurrent anterior instability. The purpose of this study was to describe an SCJ ligament reconstruction technique and retrospectively evaluate its safety and effectiveness for treating anterior SCJ dislocations and instability.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review of demographics, medical history, injury characteristics, and pretreatment pain and functional levels was performed. A soft-tissue graft woven in a Roman numeral X pattern through clavicular and sternum subcortical bone tunnels was used. Patients were evaluated with postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) and functional scores, and their ability to return to normal preoperative sports and activities was determined.

Results: Six patients were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 40 months (range, 24.5-58 months). Injury mechanisms included acute trauma (3 patients), minor trauma (1 patient), and chronic atraumatic instability (2 patients). The mean preoperative symptom duration was 11 months (range, 0.5-27.5 months). Autograft hamstring graft was used in all cases with no resulting surgical complications. All 6 patients had full range of motion with no instability after treatment. Five patients had no pain (0 of 10 on VAS), whereas one patient had mild pain (1 to 3 of 10 on VAS). All 6 patients had improved functional scores. All returned to preoperative activities and participation in sports. No recurrent instability occurred. In 1 case, failure occurred at 4 years with recurrent pain, and revision was performed.

Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that reconstruction for anterior SCJ dislocation is safe with results comparable to previously described surgical stabilization techniques. This technique provides a surgical treatment option for symptomatic anterior SCJ dislocation and instability.