Best Practice Case Studies-Surgery for Sternoclavicular Joint Injury

Pdf Summary

A sternoclavicular (SC) sprain is an injury to the joint where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the breastbone (sternum), usually resulting from significant impact, such as hits in contact sports like football or rugby. The injury frequently occurs when an athlete is struck on the back or side of the shoulder and can range from a simple sprain to a more severe dislocation. A dislocated clavicle can move either forward or backward. While forward dislocations can often be treated with a sling or brace, backward dislocations are more dangerous due to the proximity of critical blood vessels, nerves, the trachea, and the esophagus, and may require emergency surgery, especially if breathing or swallowing difficulty arises.<br /><br />Athletes experiencing SC sprains should seek evaluation by a sports medicine physician, who will perform a detailed history, physical evaluation, and possibly imaging tests such as X-rays, CT, or MRI to assess the injury extent. Treatment for less severe SC sprains includes ice, pain medication, and supportive devices like slings. <br /><br />Prevention is challenging since these injuries are often accidents; however, athletes can benefit from conditioning exercises to strengthen the shoulder and chest wall. Typically, an athlete may return to play once pain is managed, and the range of motion and strength are restored, though this timeline varies and can be expedited through structured rehabilitation.<br /><br />The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) provides support, training, and resources for sports medicine practitioners and underscores the importance of adequate care and preparation for athletes across various sporting and fitness activities. Resources and finding a sports medicine physician can be accessed via the AMSSM website.

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Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 10

Topic Chest

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 10

3rd Edition

Chest

sternoclavicular sprain

SC joint injury

clavicle dislocation

contact sports injury

sports medicine

athlete rehabilitation

shoulder conditioning

AMSSM resources

emergency surgery

imaging tests