Experience with arthroscopic treatment of disorders in the sternoclavicular joint: A prospective series of 78 patients

To evaluate pain, function and patient-reported outcomes following arthroscopically intended treatment of painful sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) conditions between 2010 and 2024 in a consecutive cohort with long-term follow-up including 78 patients. We hypothesised that this procedure would reduce pain and improve function, even when conversion to open surgery was required. Seventy-eight patients with SCJ pain unresponsive to &#x2265;12 months of conservative therapy were scheduled for arthroscopic surgery. Outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Follow-up included assessments at 1, 2 and 5 years, as well as a final cross-sectional evaluation (mean 7.2 years), capturing function, work ability, sports participation and satisfaction. In 24 patients, the procedure was converted to open surgery, primarily due to obstructing osteophytes, insufficient visualisation, or narrow joint space. Sixty-four patients (82%) completed long-term follow-up. Significant improvements were observed in DASH (61.8&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;19.2 to 16.1&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;18.0; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.00001) and OSS pain sub-scores for worst pain (2.65&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;0.9 to 1.1&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;1.0; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.00001). Five patients (6%) underwent reoperation. Sports-related limitations improved from 75.9% preoperatively to 15.6% postoperatively. At final follow-up, 87% reported complete or partial symptom resolution, and 90% would choose surgery again. Arthroscopically intended SCJ treatment provides significant and sustained improvements in pain and function. Although conversion to open surgery was required in approximately one-third of cases, overall outcomes were favourable, with high satisfaction and low complication and reoperation rates. Level IV.