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Sternoclavicular sprains occur when trauma damages ligaments connecting the sternum and collarbone. Symptoms include chest pain and a lump at the injury site. Mild sprains can be treated with NSAIDs and a sling, while severe sprains may require a figure-8 harness and up to eight weeks to heal. Surgery may be necessary for dislocations, and physical therapy is often prescribed.
A sternoclavicular sprain occurs when trauma displaces the sternum and collarbone far enough to damage the connecting ligaments. In mild sprains, the damage to the ligaments is less. Acute strains, however, can occur when ligaments are torn or disconnected from bone. Sternoclavicular injuries are fairly rare, with car accidents and sports-related injuries being the most common causes.
The most common symptom of a sternoclavicular sprain is mild to moderate pain in the center of the chest that occurs shortly after trauma to the joint. A pronounced lump at the site of the injury could indicate moderate to severe straining or perhaps a dislocated clavicle bone. In very rare cases, an injury may be severe enough to push the collarbone behind the breastbone. This type of injury, called a posterior dislocation, is potentially life-threatening and may require immediate corrective surgery.
Most frequently, a minor sternoclavicular sprain will be diagnosed by a combination of physical exam and X-ray results. Patients who experience significant pain or swelling may need further testing to determine the extent of ligament damage and completely rule out the possibility of dislocation. These tests might include a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Patients diagnosed with mild sternoclavicular sprain are usually prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This medication should help treat both swelling and pain. Additionally, placing an ice pack on the joint for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can bring additional relief. Commonly, it is necessary to immobilize the shoulder using a sling as well. The average recovery time for a mild strain is three to seven days.
A more severe sternoclavicular sprain could put such strain on the ligaments that the joint becomes insecure. In these cases, a harness generally doesn’t provide enough support to prevent further injury. Special medical support, called a figure-8 harness, may be required. These strains are also usually treated with NSAIDs, but additional pain relievers may also be prescribed. These types of injuries can take up to eight weeks to heal and may require physical therapy as part of your post-operative treatment.
While a sternoclavicular dislocation can be fixed by physical manipulation, the rest of the treatment is very similar to a severe sprain. Patients requiring surgery can expect up to 12 weeks for the joint to heal and may require additional surgery to further correct the damage. Physical therapy is almost always prescribed for these individuals.
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