SC Joint Injury

SC Joint Injury Specialist

Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining a sternoclavicular (SC) joint injury. When an SC joint injury occurs it is typically caused by a direct blow or blunt trauma to the collarbone area. SC joint injury specialist, Dr. Matthew Provencher provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Vail who have sustained an SC joint injury. Contact Dr. Provencher’s team today!

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What is an SC Joint Injury?

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is an important joint within the shoulder, located between the sternum (breastbone) and the clavicle (collarbone). An SC joint injury is relatively uncommon, accounting for an estimated 5 percent of all shoulder injuries, because of the very strong supporting ligaments and joint capsule. Injuries to the SC joint are commonly caused by a direct blow or other blunt force trauma to the collarbone area. Orthopedic shoulder specialist, Dr. Matthew Provencher specializes in treating sternoclavicular joint pain associated with an SC joint injury in patients living in the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado communities.

Even though the sternoclavicular joint is strong, it can dislocate and become unstable from a direct blow, other blunt force trauma or from a hard landing on the shoulder area, commonly seen in football and other contact sports. When a patient sustains an SC joint injury, the ligaments become stretched or torn, causing the joint to lose stability. Injuries to the SC joint range from a mild strain (partial stretch or tear) to a complete dislocation (complete stretch or tear).

SC joint injuries are graded into three categories like many other shoulder injuries.

Grade 1- A simple strain that involves a partial tear or stretch of the sternoclavicular and costoclavicular ligaments.
Grade 2- A portion of the clavicle becomes subluxated, either posteriorly or anteriorly.
Grade 3- A complete rupture of the sternoclavicular and costoclavicular ligaments.

What are the Symptoms of an SC Joint Injury?

The hallmark sign of this shoulder injury is sternoclavicular joint pain at or around the joint. Patients may also experience other troublesome symptoms, such as bruising, instability of the clavicle during activities, and cracking and popping sensations. Certain patients may also have difficulty swallowing or breathing, a choking sensation or a sense of fullness if the clavicle becomes posteriorly displaced.

How to Know if you Have an SC Joint Injury?

Dr. Provencher will conduct a thorough physical examination of the injured shoulder to determine the cause of sternoclavicular joint pain. During the examination, he will evaluate the joint’s overall range of motion. A series of x-rays and an MRI scan are usually performed so he can examine the bony structures, ligaments, and other soft tissue structures in great detail.

Have you sustained an SC joint injury?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Provencher:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review with Dr. Provencher.

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Provencher.

Request Case Review or Office Consultation

Do I Need Surgery for an SC Joint Injury?

Many cases of an SC joint injury can be treated with a non-surgical treatment plan. Sternoclavicular joint pain can be alleviated in many patients with a combination of rest, ice, immobilization in a sling or similar device, and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

What are the Surgical Treatment Options for an SC Joint Injury?

Severe injuries to the SC joint may require shoulder surgery and manipulation by Dr. Provencher to relocate the joint back to its original position. Dr. Provencher’s goal with surgery is to place the SC joint back into the proper position and repair the damaged ligaments. Dr. Provencher may also recommend a surgical treatment approach to patients experiencing degeneration of the SC joint from arthritis or similar degenerative shoulder condition.

For more resources on an SC joint injury, or for additional information on causes of sternoclavicular joint pain, please contact Dr. Matthew Provencher, orthopedic shoulder specialist serving patients in the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado area.

Matthew Provencher, MD | Orthopedic Knee & Shoulder Surgeon | Vail Aspen Denver Colorado Springs, CO

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Matthew Provencher, MD

66 reviews

James Wilson

Oct 11, 2024

by James Wilson on Matthew Provencher, MD

Senior Electronics development engineer

Wow the Steadman clinic and Doctor Matthew Provencher now that;s a super combination of expertise, experience, empathy, skill and a cherry picked staff with truly outstanding nurses and professional support staff. I was scared of shoulder surgery until I read Dr. Provencher BIO and talked to him. If your considering shoulder replacement surgery this is the place. In three weeks out now and people are amazed at my ability of movement and flexibility I have now. I love the Steadman Clinic and Dr. Matthew Provencher, He's Superman

Anne Miller

Jun 18, 2024

by Anne Miller on Matthew Provencher, MD

Grateful to Dr Provencher and his team

I am a 75-year old, active, athletic woman. Over the last few years, both of my shoulders reached a point where severe arthritis was affecting even day to day tasks. It started with one shoulder in 2021 and recently the second reverse shoulder replacement – both with Dr Provencher. Before my first one, I had received various recommendations including adjusting my lifestyle. Dr Provencher looked at my MRI and x-ray and asked what I enjoy doing and was quick to let me know I could be back to my active lifestyle soon – and he was right. He reads images faster and more accurately than any doctor I have consulted. He has many options available and if you need surgery he is the one to do it. Surgery is quick and the recovery is much easier than I anticipated. I am 10 days out from my second reverse shoulder and have no pain and gaining mobility already! My case for both shoulders was a bit more complicated due to bone integrity, severe arthritis and bicep tears. Dr Provencher has dealt innovatively with both complications and makes it seem straightforward although I know it was not. He is not only one an extraordinary surgeon, but also, a caring human being who takes the time with his patients and makes himself available if questions arise. His team is second to none – Maddy, Madison, Sam, Scott, Jasmin and in pre-op, Layla and Kevin – in terms of commitment, competence, compassion and responsiveness. Both times I have felt cared for and that resolving my situation mattered to him. Wherever you live, Dr Provencher and his team are the ones to trust. There is no need to live a compromised life!

Gene reiling

Jul 21, 2023

by Gene reiling on Matthew Provencher, MD

Success

If you are planning to see Dr Provencher ,do not hesitate ,do it. In 2018 Dr Provencher replaced my LCL. I had no complications and very little pain. I did my physical therapy as prescribed. I was able to ski 30 plus days the winter of 2019-2020. Before seeing dr Provencher I had spent a years time trying to solve my problem locally. I saw a pain specialist, orthopedic urgent care and a orthopedic surgeon. All had access to an mri done locally. It was also read by local radiologist. Pain dr gave injections as did orthopedic urgent care. No relief from pain. Orthopedic surgeon told me about arthritis, meniscus needing cleaning up and general deterioration from age. Told me to take ibuprofen for pain. At that time I reached out to Steadman Clinic. By luck of the draw I was assigned Dr Provencher. I took with me the mri that had been done locally and viewed by 3 local Drs and 1 PA. It took Dr Provencher less than a minute to tell me my problem was my LCL after viewing my mri. He told me my options . I selected surgery as I wanted to continue an active life style. It was a complete success!!

Knee | Shoulder | Joint Preservation | Arthroplasty