How do you fix a dislocated sternoclavicular joint?
Most patients can be treated conservatively with a sling, NSAIDs, and ice. This typically results in a favorable outcome with the joint stabilizing in the subluxed position.
How do you know if your sternoclavicular joint is dislocated?
You will know immediately if your SC joint has dislocated. Dislocation causes severe pain that gets worse with any arm movements. In anterior dislocation, the end of the clavicle juts out near the sternum. This causes a hard bump in the middle of the chest.
How long does a sternoclavicular dislocation take to heal?
Healing: It normally takes six weeks to heal, but symptoms can continue for three to six months.
What are the signs and symptoms of a sternoclavicular joint injury?
Symptoms
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness over the joint.
- A crunching or grinding sound when you try to move your arm.
- Limited range of motion in the arm.
- With an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, you may have simultaneous pain in other joints in your body.
How do you pop a SC joint back into place?
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.
How do you stabilize the sternoclavicular joint?
Sit in a firm chair, or stand up straight. Keeping your chin level, turn your head to the right, and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Turn your head to the left, and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times to each side.
How do you reduce anterior sternoclavicular dislocation?
Reduction of anterior dislocation
The patient is placed supine with a bolster placed between their shoulders. Traction is then applied to the affected upper limb in 90 degrees of abduction with neutral flexion and direct pressure is applied over the medial clavicle.
What causes sternoclavicular dislocation?
Sternoclavicular dislocation refers to complete rupture of all the sternoclavicular and costoclavicular ligaments. This occurs from a single, well-defined trauma most commonly a motor vehicle accident or collision sport such as rugby or American football. The force is typically indirect on the shoulder.