[Primitive sternoclavicular septic arthritis]

Abstract

Introduction: Sternoclavicular infections are unusual, and it even more unusual for infection to occur here as a primary site.

Case report: We report the case of a 53-year-old patient with no prior medical history or risk factor who consulted because of sternal swelling of inflammatory character. CT-scan, bacteriological and histological analysis of samples concluded the diagnosis of primary sternoclavicular staphylococcal septic arthritis. Management consisted of antibiotics and was associated with a flattening of the lesion. The outcome at 6 months was favorable.

Conclusion: Sternoclavicular infections should be evoked early in the course of sternoclavicular pain in order to avoid any locoregional complications and mostly mediastinitis.

Keywords: Arthrite septique; Articulation sternoclaviculaire; Septic arthritis; Staphylococcus; Sternoclavicular joint.