Posterior sternoclavicular dislocations - a diagnosis easily missed

Posterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is a relatively rare in jury and can be difficult to diagnose acutely. We report 3 cases of posteri or dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint who presented to the Accident & Emergency Department within a 3 month period. All 3 patients had sustaine d a significant injury to the shoulder region and complained of pain around the medial clavicle. Two patients had also complained of dysphagia followi ng the injury. Plain X-rays of the shoulder and chest were reported as norm al by junior and senior medical staff. The diagnosis was delayed until CT s cans were performed, and once this was established, open reduction and stab ilisation was performed.