Surgical treatment of sternoclavicular joint instability with tenodesis

Instability of the sternoclavicular joint is a very uncommon disorder of the shoulder girdle. Acute traumatic dislocations are commonly treated nonoperatively. But severe displacement or chronic instability with recurrent symptomatic subluxation may require surgical intervention. We present our results with open reduction and internal fixation through an autologous gracilis tendon transplant or fiber tape in 8 patients treated surgically. The operative stabilisation of the sternoclavicular joint reduces pain level and improves function of the shoulder. This technique provides an effective surgical procedure for treatment of symptomatic sternoclavicular joint instability. Restoration of the function and aspect of the sternoclavicular joint. Chronic and painful instabilities. Local infection, tumor. The gracilis tendon graft is harvested as previously described by Petersen. Direct incision over the sternoclavicular joint. Sharp dissection of the periostal sleeve and partial release of sternocleidomastoideus and pextoralis muscle. Resection of osteophytes. Careful placement of a raspatorium under the proximal clavicle and sternum to protect the mediastinal structures. Application of 2.5 or 3.2 mm drill holes to the sternum and the proximal clavicle. The gracilis tendon or the fiber tape is pulled through the drill holes in a figure of eight and then sutured. Recontruction of the joint capsule, closure of the wound. Gilchrist brace for 3-5 days, functional physiotherapy with a maximum abduction of 90° for 6 weeks. No carrying or lifting of weights greater than 5 kg for 3 months. During the period from January 2006 to December 2010, 8 patients with sternoclavicular instability were treated. Four patients were treated with fiber tape and four were treated with a gracilis tendon autograft. Postoperative all patients described a reduction of pain and improved shoulder function. The Constant score was 72 points, the DASH 58 points.