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Journal of Medical Cases

Case Report

Volume 1, Number 3, December 2010, pages 111-113

A Unique Case of Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation With Fracture of Transverse Process of First Thoracic Vertebrae

A 15 years old boy presented to Emergency department following injury to his chest while playing rugby. He was tackled in the game and then he fell to the ground on his chest. Two other players fell on his back. He was brought in by ambulance. He complained of pain in his chest without any difficulty in breathing.

On initial assessment, his airway examination was clear and he was able to speak full sentences. His respiratory rate was 24 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation was 100% on room air. He had bilateral good air entry. His respiration was shallow which he attributed to pain. He was tachycardic at 120/minute and his blood pressure was 106/74 in his right and 110/76 in his left upper limb. His pain score was 6 out of 10 on visual analogue scale.

Further examination suggested that he was tender on his left sternoclavicular (SCL) joint area with minimal swelling of soft tissue. His left shoulder examination revealed that he had restricted flexion and abduction due to pain. There was no localized pain at his shoulder joint. Distal vascular examination was normal on both his upper limbs. There was no neurological deficit.

He was given analgesics, and a chest and a left shoulder x-rays were obtained. His chest x-ray showed that he had a transverse fracture of his first thoracic vertebrae (Fig. 1). His shoulder was normal on x-ray examination. Sternoclavicular joint was poorly visualized on x-ray. He was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. He had no significant medical history. A computerized tomogram of his chest showed that he had posterior dislocation of his clavicle and a transverse fracture of his first thoracic vertebrae. He also had a spiral fracture of his lateral clavicle (Fig. 2).

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Figure 1. Plain x-ray film showing fracture of transverse process of first thoracic vertebrae. Clavicle dislocation is often masked due to anatomical reasons in the plain films.

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Figure 2. Computed reconstructed tomogram showing posterior dislocation of left sternoclavicular joint with a spiral fracture of the lateral end of clavicle.

An unsuccessful attempt was made at closed reduction with image intensifier. A skin crease incision was made over the sternoclavicular joint. Physeal injury with posterior dislocation of clavicle and Salter Harris type I fracture at the medial end of clavicle were identified. Drill holes through the medial metaphysis of clavicle were sutured through the epiphysis. Check images on operation table were satisfactory.

His recovery was uneventful at six weeks follow-up. He was given Codman exercise program by physiotherapist for his functional rehabilitation. He had complete functional recovery at further follow-up at three months.

Posterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint is a rare injury [1, 2].

The authors believe that this is the first reported case of posterior dislocation of SCL with fracture of transverse fracture of first thoracic vertebra (T1).

The reported cases of SCJ dislocations are anterior, posterior and atraumatic types [3] (Table 1). However, there is no report of any of the SCL dislocation diagnosed along with and as a clue from the fracture of the transverse process of T1. Most described posterior dislocations have resulted as indirect trauma with significant intra-thoracic injuries [4, 5]. This case is unusual in that there was no major intra-thoracic organ involvement.

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Table 1. Causes of Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation

SCL joint is very close to the major vital structures including great vessels of the neck and thorax, lung and the pleura, brachial plexus, trachea, and esophagus [6, 7].

It was clear from our case that posterior dislocation of SCL joint is often a difficult diagnosis both clinically and even from plain x-ray films [8-11]. In any such significant mechanism of injury, emergency physicians should look for a tell-tale sign such as a transverse fracture of the T1 or spiral fracture of the clavicle. We have called this a ‘Doshi’s sign’ for further investigation for the diagnosis of posterior dislocation of SCL.

Posterior dislocation should always be surgically reduced, as this is a very unstable joint with minimum ligament support and there is high risk of impingement on the visceral structures. There are significant chances of even late neurovascular complications [12].

Closed reduction would warrant a regular follow-up for months to look for any delayed complications. Open reduction has advantage of providing support with artificial strengthening materials such as nylon or steel clips.

In conclusion, a chest x-ray suggestive of transverse fracture of first thoracic vertebra indicates a significant injury. Further evaluation of thorax and spine should be performed specifically looking for sternoclavicular joint dislocation.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Journal of Medical Cases is published by Elmer Press Inc.