Novel Application of STRATOS for Restoration of Clavicular Stability After Oncologic Sternoclavicular Joint Resection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

TL;DR

This case report describes a new use of STRATOS bars to stabilize the clavicle after a rare chest tumor surgery, showing good results in a young patient.

Contribution

The first documented use of STRATOS bars for medial clavicular stabilization after sternoclavicular joint resection.

Findings

STRATOS provided stable fixation and preserved shoulder function in a patient after manubrial chondrosarcoma resection.

The patient remained disease-free with an excellent cosmetic outcome at 6 months post-surgery.

This novel application may offer a reliable alternative to traditional fixation methods for shoulder girdle stability.

Abstract

Background. Chondrosarcomas of the manubrium are exceedingly rare, accounting for approximately 20% of all primary bone malignancies, and present unique challenges in surgical management and reconstruction. Reliable reconstructive strategies for medial clavicular stabilization remain limited. Case Presentation. We report the first documented use of STRATOS bars for unilateral clavicular stabilization following manubrial chondrosarcoma resection. A 19-year-old woman with a poorly differentiated (G3) chondrosarcoma of the manubrium underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by en bloc resection of the manubrium, medial clavicle, and first rib. Reconstruction and clavicular stabilization were achieved using STRATOS, which is traditionally employed for chest-wall reconstruction. This represents a novel use of the device for medial clavicular stabilization after SCJ resection. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient remained disease-free, with preserved shoulder function and stable reconstruction. STRATOS provided stable fixation, preserved shoulder function, and an excellent cosmetic outcome. A brief review of the literature on sternal chondrosarcoma and reconstruction techniques is also presented. Conclusion. This unique application expands the reconstructive possibilities of modular titanium systems. It may offer a more reliable biomechanical alternative to traditional fixation methods in cases requiring stability of the shoulder girdle after SCJ resection. Further validation through biomechanical studies and larger case series is warranted.

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