Chronic posterior sternoclavicular dislocation with subclavian vein compression: A case report and review of literature

The posterior variety of sternoclavicular joint dislocation is an uncommon condition accounting for 0.06% of all shoulder injuries, the diagnosis is often missed, but frequently associated to a high morbidity by compromising the great vessels, trachea, oesophagus, or lungs. Although the majority of these complications are observed in acute presentation, few reports noted late complications with chronic unreduced dislocation.We describe a 26-year-old man, with chronic posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation; the diagnosis was made 6 months after the injury when the dislocation was causing subclavian vein compression, treatment consisted of an excision of the medial end of the clavicle and costoclavicular stabilization with sterno-cleido-mastoid tendon. At 6 months’ follow-up, the patient felt well and had returned to work with slight restriction and intermittent use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.This report shows clearly the possibility of serious complications in a chronic unreduced posterior sternoclavicular dislocation and highlights the importance to recognize and reduce at its initial presentation. The urgent CT scan is the best method for diagnosis and should be obtained when this injury is suspected.