J Bone Joint Surg Br 2002 May;84(4):513-7

 
Resection arthroplasty of the sternoclavicular joint for the treatment of primary degenerative sternoclavicular arthritis.

Pingsmann A, Patsalis T, Michiels I.

Department of Orthopaedics, Essen University Medical School, Germany.

We describe the mid-term clinical results of the surgical treatment of primary degenerative arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint in eight women. They had not responded to conservative treatment and underwent a limited resection arthroplasty. For pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation we used the Rockwood score for the sternoclavicular joint. Postoperatively, the Constant score was also determined. The mean follow-up was 31 months (10 to 82). The median Rockwood score increased from 6 to 12.5 points. The median postoperative Constant score was 87 (65 to 91). Four patients had an excellent, three a good, and one a poor result. All patients were pleased with the cosmetic result. Resection arthroplasty is an effective and safe treatment for chronic, symptomatic degenerative arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint with a high degree of patient satisfaction.