Objective: To analyze the treatment of the sternoclavicular joint dislocation by clavicular hook plate and investigate its clinical value to find a therapy with more safety and stability.
Methods: Between January 2003 and January 2007, 15 patients with sternoclavicular joint dislocation were involved, among whom there were 12 males and 3 females, aged 28-45 years old (34 on average). There were 12 cases of falling injury and 3 cases of vehicle accident injury. The course of disease was 1-12 hours. A total of 2 cases were on the left side and 13 were on the right side. There were 14 cases of anterior dislocation and 1 of posterior dislocation. Two patients were complicated by acromioclavicular joint dislocation with no pneumothorax, and 2 patients had a little pleural effusion without any special treatment. As to the damage degree, according to the Grade system, there were 2 cases of type II and 13 cases of type III.
Results: All patients' incisions obtained healing by first intention after operation. The X-ray films showed that the reduction of joint dislocation and the location of internal fixation were good. All the 15 patients were followed up for 6-18 months (14 months on average). All cases were scored by Rockwood after the operation to assess the curative effect, with 12 excellent, 2 good and 1 fair. There was no wound infection, neurovascular injury, hemopneumothorax, internal fixation failure, redislocation or other side injuries. The anatomical structure as well as appearances and functions were restored.
Conclusion: The fixation of clavicular hook plate in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation has superiority over other methods with more stability, less risk and small chances of cardiovascular injury. Besides, the patients can do functional exercises early and the shoulder joint function can be improved to the maximal degree.