List of Partners vendors. The sternoclavicular joint, or SC joint, is the connection of the sternum breastbone to the clavicle collarbone. This SC joint is uncommonly injured, but it can be problematic when an injury is sustained. The sternoclavicular joint can dislocate from its normal position. The clavicle will either dislocate in front an anterior SC dislocation or behind a posterior SC dislocation the sternum. The posterior SC dislocations are more worrisome because of the important structures that are located just behind the sternum.
These structures include major blood vessels and the trachea windpipe. Damage to these can cause life-threatening problems with blood flow and breathing. Dislocations of the SC joint are usually the result of an injury to the shoulder. In some cases, a blunt force directly to the front of the chest can cause a posterior SC dislocation.
An SC injury can be difficult to see on a regular X-ray, although there are ways to visualize the SC joint by changing the way the X-ray is performed. If the SC joint appears to be injured, a CAT scan is often performed to better evaluate the type of dislocation. Symptoms of an SC dislocation depend on whether or not it is an anterior or posterior dislocation.
In the case of an anterior SC dislocation, you can usually see the dislocated end of the clavicle. Patients have pain and swelling in this area. Patients with a posterior SC joint dislocation may have a subtle dimpling of the skin over the SC joint, as well as pain and swelling.
In addition, patients can have difficulty breathing, painful swallowing, and abnormal pulses caused by compression of the trachea, esophagus, and blood vessels. Minor sprains to the SC joint are treated with a sling and anti-inflammatory medications. When the SC joint is completely dislocated, a repositioning called a reduction of the joint of the SC joint can be attempted by sedating the patient and pulling gently on the arm.
This may allow the SC joint to 'pop' back into position. The SC joint does not necessarily need to be perfectly repositioned to have a good long-term result. Surgery to relocate the SC joint is considered for posterior SC dislocations, and some painful, symptomatic anterior SC dislocations.
If non-surgical repositioning of the joint is not successful, then surgery may be done to relocate the SC joint and repair the damaged SC joint ligaments. Rarely, the doctor might recommend surgery if the broken bones are very out of line. Sometimes while the broken collarbone heals, there is a bump where the bone was broken.
Sometimes the bump doesn't fully go away. But it doesn't hurt or cause other problems with the arm or shoulder. Your health care provider will see you again and let you know when it's OK to go back to sports. This is usually when:. Because collarbone fractures happen suddenly and unexpectedly, it can be hard to prevent them. But to decrease your risk:. Most broken collarbones heal quickly and completely. Within a few months, you should be back to doing all the things you enjoyed before the injury.
Broken Collarbone Clavicle Fracture. Reviewed by: Susan M. Dubowy, PA-C. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is a Broken Collarbone? How Does a Broken Collarbone Happen? Falling hard on a shoulder or an outstretched arm can cause a broken collarbone. A collarbone also can break in a car crash or if someone is hit by a car. Someone who breaks a collarbone may have: pain over the collarbone trouble moving the arm or shoulder on that side swelling, tenderness, and bruising along the collarbone a bulge or "tenting" of the skin above the break How Are Broken Collarbones Diagnosed?
The sling is usually fitted in hospital after an X-ray has confirmed the collarbone is broken. You'll be given painkillers to relieve the pain. Surgery under a general anaesthetic is only needed if the injury is severe — for example, where the bone has broken through the skin — or if the bones have failed to line up and are overlapping significantly.
Several techniques can be used to repair the collarbone. Fixing the break with a plate and screws is the most common method.
Your surgeon will explain the technique they're going to use and its advantages and disadvantages. Before you're discharged, you may see a physiotherapist , who can show you some gentle arm and shoulder exercises to do at home with your arm out of its sling.
These will help reduce stiffness, relieve some of the pain, and strengthen your shoulder muscles. You'll probably need to go back to the hospital outpatient department about a week after being discharged to check your collarbone is healing properly. See your GP if you have any concerns before this appointment.
In adults, it usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks for a broken collarbone to heal, although it can take longer. In children, it usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks to heal. While the fracture heals, a lump may develop along your collarbone.
This is normal, and often improves over the following months. Occasionally, the fracture does not heal and you may need surgery.
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