Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocations

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