Surgical Technique: Results of Stabilization of Sternoclavicular Joint Luxations Using a Polydioxanone Envelope Plasty

Abstract

Background Surgical treatment options for sternoclavicular joint luxations described in the literature are numerous, although all have limitations. Therefore, there is no favorable surgical treatment for sternoclavicular luxations when nonoperative treatment has failed. Description of Technique We developed the polydioxanone (PDS) envelope plasty, a modification of the figureof-eight technique, using a PDS ligament. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 39 patients (40 joints), treated with a PDS envelope plasty for invalidating sternoclavicular luxations. The minimum followup was 10 months (average, 52 months; range, 10-171 months). The Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Constant-Murley shoulder score, and subjective categorical results were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Results In most patients, postoperative functional shoulder scores were excellent (mean Constant-Murley score, 90, range, 52-100; mean SST, 10; range, 2-12). Ninety percent of patients had an improvement of shoulder function at followup. Only minor complications occurred.

Sternoclavicular joint allograft reconstruction using the sternal docking technique

“…No recurrent instability was reported, and there were significant improvements in ASES, Quick DASH, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores. Good results have also been published using artificial ligament devices 3, 10…”