Superior sternoclavicular dislocation: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Sternoclavicular dislocations are difficult to diagnose and often missed. Anterior dislocations are more common than posterior dislocations and typically have a low risk of complications. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the third case of post-traumatic superior sternoclavicular dislocation, which was successfully treated by functional treatment. DISCUSSION: The sternoclavicular joint is a diarthrodial joint with three degrees of freedom that is relatively immobile and incongruent. The treatment strategy for these injuries is based on two criteria: the possibility of vascular, nerve or tracheal compression such as in posterior dislocations, which is a surgical indication because of potential risk to life and function; the second indication is to improve esthetics, which is especially a concern with anterior dislocations. CONCLUSION: Superior sternoclavicular dislocation is a rare condition, with only three published cases up to now. Functional treatment can be used without complications.