12 patients were operated upon after unsuccessful conservative treatment for complete dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. 3 methods were used; stabilisation using fascial loops, reconstruction with a tendon graft, and resection of the sternal end of the clavicle. The results were good in only 4 patients, 3 treated with a tendon graft and one by fascial loops. Another 4 patients had fair results, but all 4 treated by resection of the medial end of the clavicle had poor results, with pain and weakness of the upper extremity. In our opinion resection of the sternal end of the clavicle should not be used in old traumatic dislocation.
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12 patients were operated upon after unsuccessful conservative treatment for complete dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. 3 methods were used; stabilisation using fascial loops, reconstruction with a tendon graft, and resection of the sternal end of the clavicle. The results were good in only 4 patients, 3 treated with a tendon graft and one by fascial loops. Another 4 patients had fair results, but all 4 treated by resection of the medial end of the clavicle had poor results, with pain and weakness of the upper extremity. In our opinion resection of the sternal end of the clavicle should not be used in old traumatic dislocation.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.