title: Posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint leading to mediastinal compression.
abstract: Dislocations of the sternoclavicular joint are uncommon, and the posterior variety have a potential for considerable morbidity. We report a case with compression of the vital structures within the superior mediastinum. It was a rugby player getting run over by the scrum. The mechanism was an indirect force exerted forward and laterally against the shoulder. The patient complained of pain and dysphagia. A systolic right cervical murmur was heard. Angiography was normal and esophagography showed extrinsic esophageal compression. Surgical reduction was performed because there was a slight pneumomediastinum on the computed tomography. This case report demonstrates the mechanism, complications, and treatment of such a lesion.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, Xavier Arnozan Hospital, Pessac, France.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Jougon
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lepront
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Dromer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016122:Brachiocephalic Trunk / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D013247:Sternoclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging