Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction--a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare injury that has a low incidence of signifcant long-term symptoms. Surgical reconstruction of the joint is indicated in patients with symptomatic, chronic anterior instability or with irreducible or recurrent posterior instability. There have been many reported techniques for stabilization of the joint, but few investigators have reported more than several cases. The ideal reconstruction has not been identifed.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to perform a systematic review of the available literature with the objective of identifying one technique of sternoclavicular reconstruction that could be recommended.


METHODS
A systematic review of literature pertaining to treatment of sternoclavicular joint injuries was performed, focusing on clinical reports with at least six patients and 1 year of follow-up. We also reviewed biomechanical reports pertaining to sternoclavicular reconstruction.


RESULTS
Six clinical reports and two biomechanical studies were identifed that met our inclusion criteria. Treatments described in the clinical reports included conservative treatment with a sling, repair of the joint capsule with provisional stabilization, and joint reconstruction with local tissue or graft tissue. One biomechanical study compared the strength of three reconstruction techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
Reconstruction with tendon tissue woven in a figure-of-eight pattern through drill holes in the manubrium and clavicle is stronger than reconstructions with local tissue. The review of clinical reports suggests excellent outcomes with this technique, and it is recommended in cases of chronic instability. In cases of acute instability requiring open reduction or inability to maintain a reduction in a posterior dislocation, there is evidence that repair of the joint capsule is suffcient surgical treatment.
Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
David
D
Thut
David
D
Hergan
Alex
A
Dukas
Michael
M
Day
Orrin H
OH
Sherman
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013247:Sternoclavicular Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome