Sternoclavicular joint

A year and a half ago, I injured myself doing bench presses and military presses. I found the next day that my right shoulder around the clavicle was swollen and had limited range of motion. I regained full motion, but was left with a clicking noise whenever I rotated my shoulder backwards - I can feel it pop by my collar bone when I do this.

Six month later, I went to an Orthopedist, who told me that I'd injured my Sternoclavicular Joint, and that there was nothing that could be done. One year later, the condition persists - sometimes I feel very minor irritation when I run, and sometimes I feel more significant discomfort when I bench press.

I have two questions - first, is there anything that can be done for this type of injury? And second, can I exacerbate the injury at all by continuing to lift weights?

Many thanks,

JB

[shannonwooten]

I had sternoclavicular joint repair done a few months ago.... wow, I never met anyone with the same problem!!!

I injured mine when I was 14 (it just happen to dislocate for no reason...) and continued every day for 4 years (you can phys see it dislocate too). I went to 2-3 different docs who didn't want to do the surgery- finally found one who was willing. Well, went to an ortho doc- he sent me to a heart surgeon that did my surgery.

They drilled a hole in my collarbone... wrapped one of my neck muscles around my collarbone and rib to make it a stable joint.  That was on 3/14/07- I was 19, now 20.

It IS a stable joint now but honestly... I don't recommend the surgery. I still have the same neck/shoulder pain- sometimes even worse since now my neck muscle hurts occasionally. I see you are physically active- makes me not recommend it even more... I am in the Army and every day work kills me.

Yes, when it dislocated it was annoying and brought some pain.... but now pain more often and it's worse... and a 1 1/2-2 inch scar on my chest.

If you want a pic, let me know... I know i was interested in what it would look like- couldn't find a pic anywhere.
Goodluck- email me if you have more questions (***@****)

SHANNON

[shannonwooten]

Oh also, the injury may or may not get worse from continuing to work out.

It may: I recently discovered that my disk in my SC may have deteriorated (Not confirmed yet) could be from either 4 years of constant dislocation or the doctor cut the bone too sharp during surgery.

It may not: If it doesn't dislocated too often... it may not deteriorate... I don't know. But as far as working out- really the only main thing is that it could get a lil inflamed and possibly cause pain.

[shannonwooten]

e mail is mtb tri chick at yho cm   no spaces obviously

[hoyasaxa]

Thanks for the info Shannon - sorry to hear about your shoulder! Not sure if surgery is in the cards right now, I'll probably go back to see an Orthopedist in the next six months. I've definitely noticed inflammation after a strenuous workout, and should probably be more careful so I don't aggravate the condition any more. I may try some resistance training to build up the muscle around the joint to help resolve the problem. Hope you find a way to improve your SC condition.

I work in defense as well, but on the private intel side - thanks for your service!

JB

[shannonwooten]

Ya, that is def good idea to do some resistance training! That is what I am doing in physical therapy right now- to strengthen the joint. That is def a good idea. Also for inflammation and pain, ibuprofen is really good.

That's pretty cool you work intel, have 2 friends who do that. No prob, I love my job!

Take care!

[GingerLilly67]

I’m hoping to get some advice. Back in Sept 08 while at work, I dislocated my clavicle at the sternum. Not much was done at first, slings and pain medication. After time, with no relief, I was sent to a surgeon for a rotator cuff tear due to the initial injury. I am currently, 6 months post op. However, the sterno-clavicular joint is still very painful. The more I use the arm the more pain I feel in that SC joint. (It is my left arm, and I’m left-handed.) My problem is that I can’t seem to find doctors that have any idea what to do about it. It has been recommended that I get steroid shots, but I’m allergic, so that option is out. The doctor that did the rotator cuff is about to release me from his care, and return me to work. But with the pain from the SC joint, I don’t feel I could work at this point. I am also concerned that if the SC is not dealt with, that there is a possibility of re-injury the future and at that point workman’s compensation will not cover it.
So the question is, does anyone know of a procedure, treatment, etc for my problem. Any referrals to doctors, (preferably in Colorado,) that could treat this type of injury would be very helpful, as my doctors are at a loss as to what to do.  I would appreciate any information that anyone could give me.
Please send any information to: ***@****
Thank you.