Superior sternoclavicular dislocation: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Sternoclavicular dislocations are difficult to diagnose and often missed. Anterior dislocations are more common than posterior dislocations and typically have a low risk of complications. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the third case of post-traumatic superior sternoclavicular dislocation, which was successfully treated by functional treatment. DISCUSSION: The sternoclavicular joint is a diarthrodial joint with three degrees of freedom that is relatively immobile and incongruent. The treatment strategy for these injuries is based on two criteria: the possibility of vascular, nerve or tracheal compression such as in posterior dislocations, which is a surgical indication because of potential risk to life and function; the second indication is to improve esthetics, which is especially a concern with anterior dislocations. CONCLUSION: Superior sternoclavicular dislocation is a rare condition, with only three published cases up to now. Functional treatment can be used without complications. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of US Publishing Group Ltd.