Instability / Dislocation

Dislocations

Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocations

  • SCJ dislocations are rare and can be life threatening
  • SCJ dislocations usually occur as the result of a significant injury

Types of Dislocations

  • SCJ dislocations can be Anterior or Posterior (forwards or backwards)
  • SCJ dislocations can be caused as the result of a Traumatic or Atraumatic injury
  • Anterior SCJ Dislocation
    • An Anterior dislocation occurs as the result of an indirect force, from the front, to the shoulder
    • As the outer end of the clavicle is forced backwards the medial end rotates forwards rupturing the anterior stabilising structures of the SCJ, leading to an anterior dislocation
  • Posterior SCJ Dislocation
    • A Posterior dislocation can occur as the result of a direct force, from the front, to the medial end of the clavicle, dislocating it backwards
    • More commonly, a Posterior dislocation occurs as the result of an indirect force to the back of the shoulder
    • As the outer end of the shoulder and clavicle is forced forwards the medial end of the clavicle is rotated backwards rupturing the posterior stabilising structures, leading to a posterior dislocation
    • The major concern with a posterior dislocation is that, as the medial end of the clavicle is forced backwards, it can damage the important vascular structures in the neck lying behind it