Arthroscopic Resection of the Intra-articular Disc of the Sternoclavicular Joint

The intra-articular disc of the sternoclavicular joint degenerates with age and can be torn in trauma. Symptoms can include pain, feeling of locking, painful clicking, and swelling of the joint. The disc can often be visualized on a T2-weighted MRI-scan. That the symptoms arise from the joint is confirmed by positive effect of a local anesthetic injection in the joint. Tears in otherwise intact discs can be repaired, but the vast majority of symptomatic disc pathology is treated by resection. Arthroscopic technique secures good visualization of the disc, which is resected with shaver and scissors. Results in one series are positive. Complications are rare.