Sternoclavicular Joint Injuries Are Often Overlooked in Car Accidents
Why This Hidden Injury Deserves Serious Attention
When most people think about car accident injuries, they picture broken arms, whiplash, or back pain. Few realize that the sternoclavicular (SC) joint — the small joint where your collarbone meets the top of your breastbone — can also be seriously injured in a crash. Because this area is less commonly discussed, SC joint injuries are often overlooked by doctors, insurance companies, and even injury victims themselves.
At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., our Atlanta car accident lawyers have seen how these injuries can disrupt lives and lead to long-term pain. If you were in a car wreck in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, it is critical to understand the signs of an SC joint injury, why they are frequently missed, and how having the right lawyer can protect your health and financial future.
What Is the Sternoclavicular Joint and How Does It Get Injured?
The sternoclavicular joint is where the clavicle (collarbone) attaches to the sternum (breastbone) in the center of your chest. This joint helps support shoulder movement and keeps your arm aligned with the rest of your body. It is held together by ligaments and a small disc of cartilage.
In a car accident, sudden force from a seatbelt or impact can cause the clavicle to shift or tear away from the sternum. This might happen in:
- Head-on collisions where the chest hits the steering wheel or dashboard
- Side-impact crashes that twist the torso
- Seatbelt injuries that put uneven pressure on the shoulder and chest
- Even a minor misalignment in this joint can lead to serious problems because of its proximity to major blood vessels and the trachea.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored After a Crash
Unlike more obvious injuries like a broken leg or visible laceration, SC joint injuries can be subtle at first. Many people leave the crash site feeling shaken but think they are fine. Days later, they might begin to notice:
- Pain in the upper chest or where the collarbone meets the breastbone
- Swelling or a visible bump near the center of the chest
- Clicking, popping, or grinding when moving the arm or shoulder
- Trouble lifting the arm or reaching across the body
- A feeling of instability or looseness in the shoulder area
In more severe cases, especially with a posterior dislocation (when the collarbone shifts backward), the injury can press on vital structures. This can cause shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or even changes in voice. These symptoms are medical emergencies and require immediate care.
Why SC Joint Injuries Are Frequently Missed
There are a few reasons why sternoclavicular joint injuries slip through the cracks after car accidents:
- Initial Focus On Life-Threatening Injuries: After a crash, emergency responders are primarily concerned with stopping bleeding, checking for internal injuries, and making sure vital signs are stable. A patient who is awake, alert, and not complaining of intense chest pain may not get detailed imaging of the SC joint.
- Standard X-Rays Might Not Show The Problem: The SC joint sits near many overlapping bones and tissues. It often takes a special CT scan to clearly see if the joint is dislocated or if ligaments are torn.
- Symptoms Overlap With More Common Injuries: Shoulder pain is often chalked up to muscle strain or rotator cuff problems, while mild chest pain may be blamed on bruising from the seatbelt.
Unfortunately, delays in diagnosis can make these injuries harder to treat. Ligament damage around the SC joint can lead to chronic instability, arthritis, or repeated dislocations if not addressed early.
How a Car Wreck Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights and Recovery
Insurance companies are quick to downplay injuries that are not immediately obvious. They may argue that because the injury was not diagnosed right after the accident, it must not be related. This tactic can leave victims with unpaid medical bills and without support for needed therapy or even surgery.
An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer knows how to build a strong case by:
- Gathering all medical records and arranging for independent evaluations if needed
- Consulting specialists who understand rare injuries like SC joint dislocations
- Demonstrating how the forces of the crash caused the injury, using accident reconstruction and medical evidence
- Calculating the true cost of the injury, including long-term physical therapy, possible surgical care, and the impact on your ability to work or enjoy life
At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we have handled countless complex injury cases in Atlanta and across Georgia. We fight to make sure our clients are fully compensated, not just for what they have already paid, but for the care they may need far into the future.
Contact Georgia's Billion Dollar Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have shoulder or chest pain after a car accident, do not dismiss it as something minor. Getting the right imaging tests and follow-up care could prevent years of pain and mobility problems. It also ties your injury clearly to the accident, strengthening your claim for compensation.
You deserve a legal team that understands how to handle overlooked injuries and will fight tirelessly for every dollar you are owed. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates today for a free consultation. Let us review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps toward recovery. When your future is on the line, trust Georgia’s voice for the injured to stand up for you.
