Sternoclavicular joint allograft reconstruction using the sternal docking technique.

BACKGROUND

The sternoclavicular joint may become unstable as a result of trauma or medial clavicle resection for arthritis. Allograft reconstruction with the figure-of-8 configuration is commonly used. This study was conducted to determine the outcome of sternoclavicular joint reconstruction using an alternative graft configuration.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2013, 19 sternoclavicular joint reconstructions were performed using a semitendinous allograft in a sternal docking configuration. The median age at surgery was 44 years (range, 15-79 years). Indications included instability in 16 (anterior, 13; posterior, 3) or medial clavicle resection for osteoarthritis in 3. The median follow-up time was 3 years (range, 1-9 years).

RESULTS

Two reconstructions (10.5%) underwent revision surgery, 1 additional patient had occasional subjective instability, and the remaining 16 (84%) were considered stable. Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction led to improved pain (visual analog scale for pain subsided from 5 to 1 point, < .01), with pain being rated as mild or none for 15 shoulders. At the most recent follow-up, the median 11-item version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 11 (interquartile range [IQR], 0-41) and 88 (IQR, 62-100) respectively. The cosmetic aspect of the shoulder was satisfactory in 16 reconstructions (84%), with a median of 10 points (IQR, 9-10 points) on the visual analog scale for overall satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joint with a semitendinous allograft in a sternal docking fashion restores stability in most patients requiring surgery for instability of the sternoclavicular joint or medial clavicle resection for osteoarthritis.