Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute onset of right-sided chest wall and shoulder pain following [mechanism of injury, e.g., direct blow/fall]. Reports localized swelling, tenderness, and mechanical discomfort at the sternoclavicular (SC) joint. Denies numbness, tingling, or vascular compromise in the right upper extremity. No dyspnea, dysphagia, or hoarseness reported.
Clinical Examination Findings
Inspection of the right sternoclavicular joint reveals [prominence/depression/swelling] at the medial clavicle. Palpation demonstrates significant tenderness at the SC joint. Range of motion of the right shoulder is limited by pain, particularly with abduction and cross-body adduction. Neurovascular status of the right upper extremity is intact with palpable radial pulse and normal capillary refill. No signs of mediastinal compromise.
Treatment Protocol
Initial management includes immobilization with a sling or figure-of-eight brace for comfort. Application of ice packs for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce edema. Analgesia provided via NSAIDs. Referral to orthopedic surgery for assessment of reduction necessity. Monitor for signs of retrosternal displacement, including respiratory distress or dysphagia.