Objective

Introduction: the sternoclavicular joint is very stable due to a strong ligamentous system, disjunctions are rare. Their diagnosis is difficult. Plain radiography does not allow a proper analysis and use of CT scans is necessary. They can be life-threatening in their posterior variety due to the proximity of the noble elements of the mediastinum.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the evolution of the sternoclavicular disjunction after functional rehabilitation through 6 observations.

Material/patients and methods

We report 6 cases of spontaneous sternoclavicular disjunction. The evaluation included the epidemiological profile, joint and functional assessment and the impact on quality of life before and after functional rehabilitation.

Results

The mean age of patients was 48.7 ans (32–65 years). All patients were female. All patients had a previous variety. The pain was present in all patients with pain EVA means 6. The joint review found a stiff shoulder on the side of the disjunction in 2 cases and a normal shoulder mobility in others. The evaluation of the quality of life by SF 12 objectified an alteration of physical and mental 2 scores. All patients underwent a functional rehabilitation. The evolution was marked by the disappearance of pain, recovery of normal range of motion in cases with stiffness and improving function and quality of life of all our patients.

Discussion–conclusion

The local pain and abnormal arch opposite the articulation met after the disjunction often facilitate the diagnosis can sometimes be more difficult. The usual radiographs centered on the sternoclavicular joint are often difficult to justify the use of scanner, if possible with a 3D reconstruction that allows accurate diagnosis. As part of the emergency, ultrasound examination is useful as descrambling. Taking buoyant therapeutic allows the recovery of function and improvement of quality of life.