Sternoclavlicular issues

[mandi66]

Anyone here have this issue and, or surgery for this problem?   Mandi

[Tuckamore]

Hi Mandi,

You are so welcome. I enjoy hearing from you - but sorry that your son is having some medical issues.

First the Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ) is a saddle-type of joint which provides a pivot for the shoulder girdle on the trunk. It can become dislocated or incur other problems. During dislocation serious injury to associated and/or supporting structures may occur. It depends on the degree and location of the dislocation as to what the treatment and future holds. Is your son experienced a dislocation?

It is my son also that had an initial SCJ problem. He injured it at work too. He manages a construction company. His pain went on for several years. He went through the usual PT, injections and the like - and still his pain increased and his motion and function diminished.

I admit he didn't follow physician's orders as well as he should have. Being a hard working and sometimes stubborn man he had to make sure the job was done. After much encouragement from me he sought a second opinion. I did my research. He consulted a well respected physician at a University Teaching Hospital. He was informed that in order to remedy the problem he would required surgery. The surgeon found that the injury actually involved more than the SCJ. It was a tough decision - but with all decisions we make the best one we can at the time - given the circumstances.

We also know that when we "mess" with the human body structure the results may not be perfect. Indeed there may even be issues that arise as we age. It's the chance we take. Life's often a crap shoot.

My son did too much too soon following surgery - his recovery was slow due to that fact. It's been about 3 years. He claims he is 90% better.

He looked at all options - considered the possibility that surgery could fail or not improve his condition to any great deal. Repairing the SCJ or any shoulder injury is a complex endeavor. This surgery as with most must be done by an experienced and skilled surgeon. If surgery is in your son's future I encourage you to research for the best "shoulder doc" in your area.

How is your son? What is his diagnosis and prognosis? I hope to hear from you soon.

Warm Regards,
~Tuck

[mandi66]

Hi Tuck,
Thank you for responding (I knew that you would, you always do-I appreciate your willingness to share and encourage.)
I do not have this issue.  It is my son (age 44)
He drove tractor trailer for approx. 23 years.  He actually had a one vehicle accident, overturning his truck over on its side.  It was due to a malfunction in the steering column.
I will respond later because my post keeps getting messed up and I am frustrated.
I would love to hear more about your relatives surgery and will surely get back to the forum with additional info.           mandi

[Tuckamore]

Hi Mandi,

Please excuse my tardy response to your question. I've been off this forum due to major health issues - sorry I missed your thread.

Are you taking about the Sternoclavicular Joint? It's a very important and complex joint for motion and function. The pain can be debilitating. My heart goes out to you.

I do not have a problem with that area, thankfully. However I have a close relative that has had surgery on the joint. How are you doing? What's your future hold?

Have you also posted in our orthopedic community? You may find more help in another community? We are more focused on chronic pain - but all are welcome here.

Here's a link to a MH that may be of help:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Orthopedics

I wish you the best - please feel free to return to our community. If we can be of help - we'll certainly try. We certainly understand pain and it's components.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck