Minimum 2-Year Outcomes after Resection Arthroplasty of the Sternoclavicular Joint

Objectives: Injuries of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint are rare and are usually caused by high energy mechanisms, such as collision sports or motor vehicle accidents. The aims of this study were to assess functional outcomes and return to sport following resection arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the sternoclavicular joint.

Methods: 20 SC joints (18 patients) had undergone resection arthroplasty of up to a maximum of 10mm of the medial end of the clavicle for painful osteoarthritis, without instability, between November 2006 and November 2013. Patients at least two years out from surgery and living in the U.S. were included in the study. This was an IRB-approved retrospective outcomes study with prospectively collected data. Preoperative and postoperative function and pain levels were assessed with the ASES, SF-12 PCS, QuickDASH and SANE scores. Additionally, the level of sport intensity and the pain levels during activities of daily living, work and recreation were assessed pre- and postoperatively. The results of the functional outcome scores were normally distributed and were compared with the paired sample t-test. The results of pain level assessment were not normally distributed and were compared with the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: 19 SC joints in 17 patients (9 female, 8 male; mean age at time of surgery 39.5±17.1 years) met inclusion criteria. One patient refused participation in the study. Two patients (10.5%) were considered failures as they required additional SC joint surgery (one patient with revision resection of the medial clavicle for persistent symptoms and one patient with secondary figure-of-eight graft stabilization for instability). Minimum 2-year outcomes data were available for 14 of the remaining 16 SC joints (88%). The mean time to follow-up was 3.1 years (range, 2.0-8.8 years). The ASES score, QuickDASH, and pain levels demonstrated significant improvement postoperatively (p<0.05; Table 1). No significant differences were observed between the pre- and postoperative SANE and SF-12 PCS scores (p>0.05; Table 1). All patients (100%, n=11) that answered the question were able to return to sport, with 64% of these patients (n=7) returning to their pre-injury level or slightly below.

Conclusion: Resection arthroplasty of up to a maximum of 10mm of the medial end of the clavicle in patients with osteoarthritis of the SC joint results in significant functional improvement, pain reduction, and a high rate of return to sport at mid-term follow-up.

Full Article: Minimum 2-Year Outcomes after Resection Arthroplasty of the Sternoclavicular Joint

Peter Millett, MD

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39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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