Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation with brachiocephalic vein compression in an elite hockey player

Abstract

Posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation is a rare but potentially serious injury. It is most commonly seen in teenagers or young adults involved in major trauma and can be difficult to diagnose clinically and radiologically. It is our experience that this injury is frequently associated with a delay in diagnosis and may be clinically insignificant initially. Despite this benign early clinical path it has recognized morbidity and mortality due to the close proximity of vital structures to the joint and up to 30% of patients have complications involving these structures. We describe a 20-year-old elite hockey player with posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation with brachiocephalic vein compression and discuss the issues of management and return to sport.