Closed Reduction (SC Joint)

Most severe dislocations are of the anterior type and can be treated by pulling, pushing, and moving the clavicle until it pops back into joint. This procedure can be very painful and most patients will be given general anesthesia and perhaps muscle relaxants before the procedure. After the closed reduction is performed, the SC joint will have to be held perfectly still. The physician will most likely recommend the patient continue with pain medication while wearing a figure-eight strap for at least six weeks. With anterior dislocations, redislocation is common, but is often not very painful and can be tolerated without surgery.