Sternoclavicular Joint Injury

Patient information leaflet

Overview of your injury

• You have a Sternoclavicular Joint Injury.
• This is an injury to the joint between your collar bone and breastbone.

Healing

• Healing usually takes 6 weeks. Some symptoms may last for 3-6 months.
• Smoking will slow down your healing.
• We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and Swelling

• Your shoulder may be swollen, and you will have some pain.
• Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help.
• More information is on the next page.

Wearing your sling

• Use your sling for up to three weeks.
• You can take it off to wash, dress and do your exercises.
• It does not need to be worn at night.

Exercise and activity

• It is important to start gentle exercises straight away to prevent stiffness.
• You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises below.
• Do not lift your arm over shoulder height for the first three weeks.
• You should not do any heavy lifting for the first 6 weeks.

Follow up:

• You will see a shoulder specialist about three weeks after your injury.
• They will check your injury and explain what happens next in your recovery.
• Please contact us if you have not received your appointment letter within one week.

Contact us

• Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if;
  • You are concerned about your symptoms
  • Are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan
  • Notice pain other than at your shoulder.

Caring for your injury: Weeks 1 - 3

Wear your sling for the first three weeks

• Take it off to wash, dress and do your exercises.
• You don’t have to wear your sling at night.
• You may find it more comfortable to sleep propped up on pillows.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling

• You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Put this on your shoulder for 15 minutes every few hours.
• Make sure the ice isn’t in direct contact with your skin.

Try to rest your arm, especially in the first 24-72 hours

Exercises

• Start these exercises straight away.
• Try to do these exercises 4-5 times a day.
• Repeat each exercise 10 times.

Hand, wrist and elbow exercises

1. Open and close your hand. Next, move your wrist up and down. Repeat 10 times.
2. After a few days, hold a soft ball or rolled up socks. Squeeze the ball and hold for five seconds. Repeat five times.

3. Bend and straighten your elbow. Repeat 10 times.
4. Bend your elbow to a right angle. Slowly turn your palm up to the ceiling and down to the ground. Repeat 10 times.

Posture Exercise

1. Bring your shoulders back and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together.
2. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat five times.

Shoulder Pendulum Exercise

1. Stand next to a firm surface.
2. Support yourself with your un-injured arm and lean forwards.
3. Let your injured arm relax and hang down to the ground.
4. Gently swing your arm, making a small movement.
5. Try to do this forward and backward, side to side and in small circles.
6. Aim to do this for one to two minutes in total. Stop if it becomes too painful. 7. Remember to keep your arm relaxed.

Caring for your injury: Weeks 3-6

You can stop using your sling.

• Remember, you should not do any heavy lifting for six weeks.

Exercises

• Start these exercises three weeks after your injury.
• Try to do them four to five times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.

Active Assisted Flexion

• Use your other hand to lift your injured arm up in front of you, as shown in these pictures.

Active Assisted External Rotation

1. Keep the elbow of your injured arm tucked into your side and your elbow bent.
2. Hold onto a stick, umbrella or something similar.
3. Use your good arm to push your injured hand outwards. Remember to keep your elbow tucked in.
4. If you don’t have a stick, hold your injured arm at the wrist, guide it outwards with your good hand.

Caring for your injury: Weeks 6-12

Your injury should be healed. You can return to normal activities.

• Do this gradually and be guided by any pain or discomfort you experience.
• Some heavier tasks may still be uncomfortable.

Exercises

• Start these exercises six weeks after your injury.
• Try to do these exercises four to five times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.

Active Flexion

1. Lift your arm forwards in front of you. Try to raise the arm as high as you can.
2. Stop if it is too painful. If it’s difficult, try the same movement with a bent elbow.

Active Abduction

1. With your palm facing forwards, move your arm out to the side in a big arc.
2. Try to raise the arm as high as you can. Stop if it is too painful.
3. If it’s difficult, try the same movement with a bent elbow.

Active External Rotation

1. Start with your elbow bent by your side.
2. Move your forearm out to the side, keeping your elbow bent and near your waist.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m concerned about my symptoms and/or I am struggling to return to exercise.

• Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

I am struggling with my sling. What do I do?

• Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. We can give advice or change your sling if needed.

When can I start driving?

• When you are no longer using a sling
• When you can move comfortably
• When you can control the vehicle safely.
• Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP.

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic? Call us on 020 7288 3310 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Email: whh-tr.fracturevirtualclinic@nhs.net

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.