Minimum 5-Year Clinical Outcomes, Survivorship, and Return to Sports After Hamstring Tendon Autograft Reconstruction for Sternoclavicular Joint Instability

Authors:

Peter Millett, M.D., Lucca Lacheta, Brandon Goldenberg, Marilee Horan, Sam Rosenberg, Jonas Pogorzelski, and Travis Dekker

Abstract:

Objectives:

Instability of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a rare but potentially devastating pathology, particularly when it occurs in young or active patients, where it can lead to persistent pain and impairment of shoulder function. SC reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft is a commonly used treatment option, but mid-term results are still lacking. To assess clinical outcomes, survivorship, and return to sports rate after SC joint reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft in patients suffering from SC joint instability. We hypothesized that SC joint reconstruction would result in good clinical outcomes, a high survivorship, and a high rate of return to sports.

Methods:

All patients who underwent SC joint reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft for SC joint instability, with a minimum 5-year follow up, were included. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed prospectively by the use of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) Score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, General heath physical component of the SF-12 (PCS) and patient satisfaction. Survivorship of reconstruction was defined as no further SC joint dislocation events or revision surgery. Return to sports and pain were assessed using a customized questionnaire.

Results:

22 SC joint reconstructions with a mean age of 31.3 (range 15.8 – 57.0 years) at the time of surgery were included. At final evaluation, 18 SC joint reconstructions with a mean follow-up of 6.0 years (range 5.0 – 7.3 years) were eligible for minimum 5-year follow-up. All clinical outcome scores improved significantly pre- to postoperatively, ASES (50.0 to 91.0; p = .005), SANE (45.9 to 86.0; p = .007), QuickDASH (44.2 to 12.1; p = .003), and PCS (39.4 to 50.9; p = .001). Median postoperative satisfaction was 9 (range 7 – 10). The construct survivorship was 90% at 5-year follow-up. Two patients failed at 82 and 336 days postoperatively and were revised with revision SC joint reconstruction and capsulorrhaphy. Another patient had a superficial wound infection, which was debrided once, and resulted in a good clinical outcome. Of the patients who answered optional sports activity questionnaires, 17 (77%) shoulders participated in recreational or professional sports before injury. At final follow-up, 16/17 (94%) shoulders returned to their pre-injury level of sport or better. The VAS score for pain today (p = 0.004) and pain at its worst (p = 0.004) improved significantly pre- to postoperatively.

Conclusions:

SC joint reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft for SC joint instability resulted in significantly improved clinical outcomes with high patient satisfaction and 90% survivorship at mid-term follow up. Furthermore, a reliable rate of return to previous level of sports was observed in this young and high-demanding patient population. Concerns in terms of advanced post-instability arthritis were not confirmed since a significant decrease in pain was found after minimum 5-year follow-up.

For the complete study: Minimum 5-Year Clinical Outcomes, Survivorship, and Return to Sports After Hamstring Tendon Autograft Reconstruction for Sternoclavicular Joint Instability

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

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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