Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2009; 57(8): 500-501
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1185391
Case Reports

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Sternoclavicular Joint Infection: A Case Report

H. R. Moyer1 , B. Ghazi1 , D. V. Feliciano1
  • 1Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Further Information

Publication History

received November 15, 2008

Publication Date:
14 December 2009 (online)

Abstract

Infection of the sternoclavicular joint (SJI) is a rare problem accounting for approximately 1 % of cases of septic arthritis. Patients typically present with symptoms of localized pain lasting a period of several weeks with or without systemic signs of fever and chills. Confirmation is made by aspirating the joint, and broad spectrum antibiotics should be tailored to treat the identified organisms. SJI can be treated conservatively with intravenous antibiotics and repeat imaging, but surgical intervention is required if patients present with an abscess, osteomyelitis or mediastinitis.

References

  • 1 Gallucci F, Esposito P, Carnovale A et al. Primary sternoclavicular septic arthritis in patients without predisposing risk factors.  Advances Med Sci. 2007;  52 125-128
  • 2 Ross J J, Shamsuddin H. Sternoclavicular septic arthritis: review of 180 cases.  Medicine. 2004;  83 (3) 139-148
  • 3 Kendrick A S, Head H D, Rehm J. Management of sternoclavicular joint infections.  Am Surg. 2007;  73 (7) 729-732
  • 4 Burkhart H M, Deschamps C, Allen M S et al. Surgical management of sternoclavicular joint infections.  J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2003;  125 (4) 945-949

Dr. MD Hunter Reid Moyer

Emory University
Surgery

1164 Clifton Road NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30322

United States

Phone: + 1 40 47 27 00 93

Email: hmoyer@emory.edu