What causes swelling of the sternoclavicular joint?

The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is an integral part of the shoulder girdle that connects the upper limb to the axial skeleton. Swelling of the SCJ is commonly due to trauma, degeneration, infections and other disease processes that affect synovial joints.

How do you treat a swollen sternoclavicular joint?

Treatment for Sternoclavicular Joint Disorders

  1. Medications: NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen can be used to bring down swelling and pain in the SC joint.
  2. Immobilization: A shoulder sling can be used to restrict arm movement during an injury or fracture and allow healing.

Can you Sublux your clavicle?

Spontaneous atraumatic subluxation of the sternoclavicular joint can occur. The typical patient is a female with multidirectional instability and ligamentous laxity. There is an excessive but incomplete translation or rotation of the medial clavicle away from the sternum. This is often referred to as a sprain.

Does the costoclavicular ligament support the sternoclavicular joint?

Other ligaments contributing to the stability of the SC joint are the interclavicular ligament which facilitates medial traction of both clavicles, and the costoclavicular ligament which mediates bilateral clavicle and anterior first rib stability.

What is sternoclavicular syndrome?

Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) is a chronic inflammatory disorder which presents with erythema, swelling, and pain of the sternoclavicular joint. Approximately one half of patients have acne or pustular lesions with the best described association being with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).

Why is my clavicle popping out?

Often, collarbone popping is caused by instability or arthritis changes in your SC or AC joints. If your collarbone pops and is painful, improving shoulder movements and strength can be an effective strategy for getting relief.

Why is my collarbone sticking out?

There is a pad of cartilage in the joint between the two bones that allows them to move on each other. When these ligaments are stretched (strained) or torn, either partially or completely, the outer end of the collarbone may slip out of place, keeping it from its proper fit with the shoulder blade.

Why is my clavicle protruding?

Sometimes, collarbone popping is caused by an unstable joint caused by trauma. Other times, the instability of your shoulder joints is caused by wear and tear or degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

Does sternoclavicular joint move?

The sternoclavicular joint has a large degree of mobility. There are several movements that require joint involvement: Elevation of the shoulders – shrugging the shoulders or abducting the arm over 90º Rotation – when the arm is raised over the head by flexion the clavicle rotates passively as the scapula rotates.

What muscles cause sternoclavicular joint depression?

Deltoid. Pectoralis Major (Clavicular Head) Trapezius. Sternocleidomastoid.

Can you get a lump on your collarbone?

Lumps found on the collarbone can be caused by a variety of things, including injury, infection, and cysts. Symptoms, treatment, and outlook vary based on the cause and severity of the lump. Anyone with a lump on their collarbone without a clear cause should speak with a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are there symptoms associated with the swollen sternoclavicular joint?

Three patients presented with symptoms associated with sternoclavicular joint pathology. The SCJ is involved in a variety of conditions. Imaging has a vital role in solving a challenging diagnostic dilemma. Three patients presented with sternoclavicular joint arthropathy.

How is the sternoclavicular joint susceptible to pathology?

The sternoclavicular joint is susceptible to pathology similar to other synovial joints, the most common being osteoarthritis, instability from injury, infection, and rheumatoid arthritis. 1 The joint lies in a subcutaneous position and thus swelling of the joint or expansion of the medial clavicle is evident at an early stage of disease. 1

What kind of scan is needed for swollen sternoclavicular joint?

Plain radiographs taken of the SCJs proved to be difficult to interpret, and further imaging with CT was performed. An ultrasound scan demonstrated soft tissue thickening around the joint, and a power-Doppler scan confirmed prominent neovascularity within the periarticular soft tissue, suggesting active synovitis.

Can a MRI be used to diagnose sternoclavicular pain?

In cases of sternoclavicular joint pain and/or swelling, MRI is frequently effective in making the correct diagnosis, allowing appropriate treatment to begin.