Sternoclavicular septic arthritis in a healthy adult: A case report and a review of the literature

Abstract

Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis is rare and commonly associated with specific risk factors. We report the case of a 58-year-old female with no previous medical or surgical history who presented complaining of a warm, indurated mass overlying the right sternoclavicular joint. Computed tomography of the chest showed erosion of the sternal end of the clavicle and the manubrium sternum associated with thickening of the synovium and a sternoclavicular joint space narrowing, suggestive of an infective process. Intraoperative finds a purulent collection extending both over the clavicle and the sternum. Limited destruction of small parts of the sternoclavicular joint was noted. The abscess was drained. Simple debridement and limited curettage were preferred to en bloc resection given the limited size of necrotic tissues. Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis is a condition with significant morbidity and potential mortality. All medical practitioners must maintain a high degree of suspicion, even in healthy patients, as it can lead to serious complications.