Shoulder · Joints, stiffness & other
SC joint reconstruction
Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint Instability
The condition
The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the breastbone (sternum). It is the only bony connection between the arm and the body. When its ligaments are torn or stretched, the end of the collarbone can slip out of place, causing pain, a bump, clicking, and a feeling of instability with arm use.
The surgery
SC joint reconstruction is done through an incision over the joint. The ligaments are rebuilt with a cadaver tendon graft woven through small tunnels in the collarbone and breastbone. Important major blood vessels to your head and arm lie behind this joint, so extra precautions are taken.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Worn full-time for 6 weeks, removed for hygiene and exercises. Gentle therapist-guided motion begins the day after surgery.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. No lifting, pushing, or pulling with the surgical arm for 8 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Lifting & overhead
- Strengthening starts at 8–9 weeks and builds gradually. Weight training from 12 weeks, with push-ups, rows, and heavy overhead lifting last.
- Sports
- Full return to sports and activity at 5–6 months; contact and collision sports come last.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients regain a stable, less painful joint and return to activity. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the joint becoming unstable again or the graft stretching, a lasting bump, fracture at the bone tunnels, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves or, rarely, the major blood vessels behind the joint), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. The rare, but most dangerous risk is damage to major vessels. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery