Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Sternoclavicular Sprain?

Melissa Barrett
Melissa Barrett

A sternoclavicular sprain occurs when trauma moves the breastbone and collarbone far enough apart to damage the connecting ligaments. In mild sprains, the damage to the ligaments is minor. Acute strains, however, can result when the ligaments are torn or disconnected from the 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 a trauma to the joint. A pronounced lump at the injury site might indicated a moderate-to-severe strain or possibly a dislocation of the clavicle bone. In very rare cases, a trauma might be serious enough to push the clavicle behind the sternum. This type of injury, called a posterior dislocation, is potentially life-threatening and might require immediate corrective surgery.

Pain from a sternoclavicular sprain maybe treated with an ice pack.
Pain from a sternoclavicular sprain maybe treated with an ice pack.

Most frequently, a minor sternoclavicular sprain will be diagnosed by a combination of physical exam and X-ray results. Patients who present with considerable pain or swelling might need further tests to determine the extent of ligament damage and completely eliminate the possibility of dislocation. These tests might include a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In the majority of cases, physical therapy is prescribed to treat a sternoclavicular sprain.
In the majority of cases, physical therapy is prescribed to treat a sternoclavicular sprain.

Patients who have been diagnosed with a mild sternoclavicular sprain are generally prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This medication should help treat both swelling and pain. In addition, placing an ice pack on the joint for 10-15 minutes at a time can bring further relief. Commonly, it is necessary to immobilize the shoulder by using a sling as well. The average recuperation time for a mild strain is three to seven days.

Most frequently, a minor sternoclavicular sprain will be diagnosed by a combination of physical exam and X-ray results.
Most frequently, a minor sternoclavicular sprain will be diagnosed by a combination of physical exam and X-ray results.

A more serious sternoclavicular sprain might stress the ligaments to such an extent that the joint becomes insecure. In these instances, a sling generally will not provide enough support to prevent further injury. A special medical support, called a figure 8 harness, might be ordered. These strains are usually treated with NSAIDs as well, but additional painkillers might also be prescribed. These types of injuries can take as long as eight weeks to heal and might require physical therapy as part of aftercare.

Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a sternoclavicular sprain.
Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a sternoclavicular sprain.

If a sternoclavicular dislocation can be repaired by physical manipulation, the rest of treatment is much the same as a serious sprain. Patients who require surgery can expect as long as 12 weeks for healing of the joint and can require additional surgeries to further correct the damage. Physical therapy is almost always prescribed for these individuals.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Pain from a sternoclavicular sprain maybe treated with an ice pack.
      By: nito
      Pain from a sternoclavicular sprain maybe treated with an ice pack.
    • In the majority of cases, physical therapy is prescribed to treat a sternoclavicular sprain.
      By: Ambrophoto
      In the majority of cases, physical therapy is prescribed to treat a sternoclavicular sprain.
    • Most frequently, a minor sternoclavicular sprain will be diagnosed by a combination of physical exam and X-ray results.
      By: James Steidl
      Most frequently, a minor sternoclavicular sprain will be diagnosed by a combination of physical exam and X-ray results.
    • Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a sternoclavicular sprain.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a sternoclavicular sprain.
    • A patient with a great deal of pain or swelling from a sternoclavicular sprain may need a CT scan to rule out other conditions.
      By: Hakan Kızıltan
      A patient with a great deal of pain or swelling from a sternoclavicular sprain may need a CT scan to rule out other conditions.
    • The clavicle -- also known as the collar bone -- connects the shoulder to the rib cage.
      By: Artem Furman
      The clavicle -- also known as the collar bone -- connects the shoulder to the rib cage.
    • It's common to immobilize the shoulder in a sling for a mild sternoclavicular sprain.
      By: elsahoffmann
      It's common to immobilize the shoulder in a sling for a mild sternoclavicular sprain.
    • Car accidents are a common cause of sternoclavicular injuries.
      By: Tom Wang
      Car accidents are a common cause of sternoclavicular injuries.