Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation

Have regard for posterior sternoclavicular dislocation. Although exceptionally rare, these are clinically relevant, since the medial clavicular head may compromise the airway or major vessels.

In which case:

• Abduct the arm to 90° and extend 10-15° and apply traction (with counter attraction to the torso from another colleague)
• Failed? Then maintain traction and pull the medial end of the clavicle forward with your fingers and thumb
• Still failed? Then prepare the skin with iodine and repeat with a towel clip [8].