Best Practice Case Studies-Sternoclavicular Joint

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A sternoclavicular (SC) sprain is an injury to the joint where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the sternum (breastbone). These injuries are rare and typically occur due to high-impact incidents, such as tackles in contact sports like football or rugby. The majority of SC injuries are sprains, though dislocations can also occur. Forward dislocation is generally less concerning, whereas backward dislocation can be dangerous due to the proximity of critical structures like blood vessels, nerves, the windpipe, and esophagus.<br /><br />Symptoms of an SC sprain include shoulder and clavicle pain, the appearance of a bump or divot at the joint, and more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing if the clavicle is dislocated backward. Athletes with suspected SC sprains should undergo a thorough evaluation by a sports medicine physician, possibly including imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the injury's extent.<br /><br />Treatment may involve icing, pain management with medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and the use of a sling or brace. Forward dislocations might be manually corrected, while backward dislocations often necessitate surgery, especially if there is difficulty breathing, requiring emergency management.<br /><br />Preventing SC sprains through specific measures is largely impractical, though athletes should be well-conditioned and trained to improve shoulder and chest wall strength, particularly in contact sports. Return to play is possible once pain is managed and the affected shoulder regains normal strength and movement, with recovery time varying based on the injury's severity and following a structured rehabilitation program.<br /><br />The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), a multi-disciplinary organization of sports medicine physicians, provides resources and support for medical care concerning such injuries.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 10

Topic Chest

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 10

3rd Edition

Chest

sternoclavicular sprain

clavicle injury

contact sports

backward dislocation

sports medicine

shoulder pain

imaging tests

pain management

rehabilitation program

AMSSM