Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation in adolescents and young adults treated by surgical stabilization with posterior reinforcement

Aim: to report our clinical experience and radiologic results of a surgical stabilization with posterior joint reinforcement. Methods: retrospective study of 6 consecutive patients, with a mean age of 18 years, with complete posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation operated on by the same operative technique. Surgical stabilization was obtained with sternoclavicular loops passed anteriorly and posteriorly to the joint in order to reinforce the posterior aspect of the capsula. Constant score, a clinical method of functional assessment of the shoulder, and CT scan were used for postoperative evaluation. Results: mean follow-up was 46 months (minimum 17, maximum 129). All patients benefited from full recovery in their professional and sporting activities. Constant score was 85% for the single female patient and up to 95% for the 5 males. CT scan showed an 87% reduction of the backward displacement of the medial end of the clavicle in the anatomic position and a preserved stabilization in the 180° lateral elevation and 90° forward elevation of the upper. Conclusion: in our experience, the procedure using sternoclavicular loops with posterior reinforcement is simple and provides excellent recovery in adolescents and young adults.