Work

Long-term follow-up of sternoclavicular joint injuries with functional outcome analysis from a single-center study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Sternoclavicular (SC) joint injuries are uncommon, limiting comprehensive insights into their clinical management. This study analyzes long-term outcomes, preferred diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and variations in treatment approaches and subsequent results. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on traumatic SC joint injuries treated at a Level-1 Trauma Center between January 2004 and October 2016. Chronic, degenerative, tumor-related cases, incomplete records, and incorrectly coded ICD-10 diagnoses were excluded. Ethical approval was obtained. Patient data on demographics, injury details, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions were collected. Functional outcomes were assessed using ASES and QuickDASH scores. RESULTS: Seventeen SC joint injuries were included (14 Allmann type III and 3 Allmann types I-II). Functional outcome data were available for 13 patients (76% response rate) with a mean follow-up of 6.5 ± 4.4 years. Non-surgical approaches were effective for Allmann type I-II injuries. Anterior dislocations yielded good functional outcomes with both conservative and surgical treatment. Posterior dislocations were successfully managed with closed reduction or surgery, resulting in favorable long-term function. CONCLUSION: This study, one of the largest long-term follow-ups of SC joint injuries, confirms the rarity of these injuries but demonstrates promising functional outcomes with timely diagnosis and appropriate management.

Source: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

DOI: 10.1007/s00068-025-02964-x