Anterior sternoclavicular dislocation: a long-term follow-up study.

The long-term follow-up results of 13 patients with traumatic anterior sternoclavicular dislocations are described. The patients had a mean age of 36.2 (SD 17.9) years. Nine patients had serious concomitant injuries. Radiological examination had limited diagnostic value. For 12 patients, nonoperative treatment consisted of analgesics and immobilization. The results of treatment of 10 patients were evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 62.9 (SD 53.4) months. The results of treatment were good in seven patients, fair in two patients, and poor in one patient. We concluded that radiological examination has a limited value in diagnosing anterior sternoclavicular dislocations and that nonoperative management is the treatment of choice.