J Korean Soc Radiol.  2015 Feb;72(2):128-130. 10.3348/jksr.2015.72.2.128.

Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation: A Case Report

• Yoon SH
• Kim SK
• Kim KJ

• KMID: 2002809
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2015.72.2.128

Abstract

Traumatic sternoclavicular joint dislocation is an uncommon injury, and posterior sternoclavicular dislocation occurs less frequently compared to anterior sternoclavicular dislocation. However, this type of dislocation has the potential for serious complications due to compression or laceration of the mediastinal structures. The diagnosis can be difficult using plain radiographs alone due to radiographic-anatomic superimposition. Therefore, posterior sternoclavicular dislocation is easily missed at the initial clinical evaluation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is required for a definite diagnosis and to assess associated mediastinal injuries.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Dislocations*
Lacerations
Sternoclavicular Joint

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Posterior sternoclavicular dislocation in 16-year-old man. A. Chest radiograph reveals asymmetric alignment of the bilateral sternoclavicular joints and slightly inferior displacement of the medial end of right clavicle (arrow). B. Contrast enhanced axial CT scan (bone setting) shows posterior dislocation of the right sternoclavicular joint (arrow) and mild compression of the right brachiocephalic artery and vein by the displaced clavicle end. C, D. Contrast-enhanced CT scans (mediastinal setting) shows a small amount of hematoma in the right paratracheal region and mild displacement of trachea to the left, but no definite evidence of extravasation of contrast material. E. Coronal volume-rendered image shows posterior dislocation of the right sternoclavicular joint (arrow).

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