Modified all-suture fixation technique for anterior dislocation following conservative treatment of sternoclavicular joint injury: a case report

TL;DR

A modified suture technique successfully treated a rare case of sternoclavicular joint dislocation after conservative treatment failed.

Contribution

A modified all-suture fixation technique is proposed for treating anterior sternoclavicular dislocation with articular disc avulsion.

Findings

The modified technique achieved stable reduction and anatomical alignment in a one-year follow-up.

The patient showed excellent functional recovery with a Constant-Murley Score of 91.

The patient reported high satisfaction with restored daily and occupational activities.

Abstract

Anterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint accompanied by articular disc avulsion following conservative treatment is a rare condition. A 58-year-old male suffered a shoulder acromioclavicular joint dislocation and a sternoclavicular joint injury without dislocation after being hit by a heavy object. Two weeks after the sternoclavicular joint was suspended, anterior dislocation occurred. He underwent a stable reduction using a modified all-suture fixation technique. At one-year follow-up, radiological assessment demonstrated maintained anatomical alignment and stable fixation, with complete restoration of daily activities and occupational function. The final Constant-Murley Score was 91, reflecting excellent functional recovery, and the patient reported high satisfaction. This case demonstrates that the modified all-suture fixation technique may offer reliable stabilization and favorable clinical outcomes in the treatment of anterior sternoclavicular dislocation associated with articular disc avulsion.

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