Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation in a child: a case report with review of literature

Posterior Dislocation of the Sternoclavicular Joint

“…The usual cause of a posterior dislocation of the SC joint is indirect trauma, with the most common being a direct blow taken to the posterolateral part of the shoulder with the arm adducted and fl exed ( Cope, 1993 ;Jaggard et al, 2009 ;Marker & Klareskov, 1996 ). Many of these dislocation injuries occur from participating in sports, although they have been seen after motor vehicle accidents or falls from a great height ( Garg et al, 2012 ).…”

“…The more common symptoms seen with a posterior dislocation of the SC joint are pain around the medial aspect of the clavicle occurring with motion of the shoulder and neck, and a gap or depression felt on examination of the medial aspect of the clavicle along with swelling ( Cope, 1993 ;Garg et al, 2012 ;Jaggard et al, 2009 ). Other symptoms can include dyspnea, hoarseness, and dysphagia ( Cope, 1993 ;Garg et al, 2012 ;Jaggard et al, 2009 ).…”

“…Other symptoms can include dyspnea, hoarseness, and dysphagia ( Cope, 1993 ;Garg et al, 2012 ;Jaggard et al, 2009 ). If the condition goes untreated, more severe symptoms can occur such as tracheal stenosis, cyanosis of the neck and upper extremity, pneumothorax, arterial injury, neurological damage, and thoracic outlet syndrome ( Cope, 1993 ;Garg et al, 2012 ;Jaggard et al, 2009 ;Marker & Klareskov, 1996 ).…”

“…The Heining projection is achieved by having the x-ray beam horizontal to the SC joint and parallel to the opposite clavicle. Any one of the aforementioned views should be ordered if a dislocation is suspected ( Cope, 1993 ;Garg et al, 2012 ;Jaggard et al, 2009 ). A CT scan can also be used to help rule out or diagnose damage to the structures that lie posterior to the SC joint ( Cope, 1993 ;Garg et al, 2012 ;Jaggard et al, 2009 ;Marker & Klareskov, 1996 ).…”

“…In a review of 1,600 SC joint dislocations, only one subject had a posterior dislocation ( Cope, 1993 ). One third of the patients diagnosed with a posterior SC joint dislocation will suffer symptoms related to the compression of the structures that lie posterior to the SC joint ( Garg, Alshameeri, & Wallace, 2012 ). This case study discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a patient with posterior dislocation of the SC joint acquired while playing football.…”