Technique Spotlight: Allograft Stabilization of the Sternoclavicular Joint

Rationale

As described in the previous chapter, a variety of techniques have been described to treat the unstable sternoclavicular joint (SCJ). The figure-of-eight technique was developed after biomechanical testing determined that the posterior capsule was the primary restraint to posterior translation of the SCJ and the posterior capsule and anterior capsule were restraints to anterior translation. When compared with other techniques, the figure-of-eight reconstruction has superior biomechanical properties preventing anterior and posterior translation. A number of case series in the literature demonstrate significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes using this technique (see Table 1.3 of Chapter 1 ).