Increasing Incidence of Sternoclavicular Joint Infections in Intravenous Drug Users

Abstract

Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis is rarely seen in the general population. The majority of cases are seen in intravenous drug users. Given the lack of reported cases in the literature, there is no standardized treatment algorithm for this disease. Described treatment methods range from medical management to wide local debridement. The incidence of sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis will likely continue to increase with rising usage of intravenous drugs in the United States. Within the past year, our institution treated four cases.