Short-term results of conservative treatment without reduction maneuver of the anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results of the conservative treatment without a reduction maneuver in patients with anterior sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation. METHODS: Four cases with anterior dislocation of the SCJ were evaluated retrospectively. Three cases were unconscious and were followed in the intensive care unit. All of the cases were treated conservatively without any reduction maneuver, as they are either unconscious or refused the reduction in one case.Average follow-up period was 16 months (10-21 months). RESULTS: Good clinical results were achieved in three cases with only mild cosmetic problems, except one case with marked deformity. CONCLUSION: Good functional results may be achieved with conservative treatment of the anterior dislocation of the SCJ even without a reduction maneuver.