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. 2024 Feb;8(1):60-63.
doi: 10.5811/cpcem.1563.

Septic Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint

George V Koshy  1 , Richard Davis  1 , Christopher Wilson  1
Affiliations

Septic Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint

George V Koshy et al. Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) septic arthritis is a rare but rapidly fatal joint infection. Without proper medical or surgical management, it can progress to osteomyelitis, chest wall abscess, mediastinitis, or myositis.

Case report: A 57-year-old male with a past history of intravenous drug use presented to the emergency department (ED) with chest tenderness of one week duration. Vital signs were unremarkable, and exam was notable for tender, raised right SCJ without any fluctuance. On point-of-care ultrasound we noted fluid collection and capsular distention along the SCJ, which aided in rapidly diagnosing septic arthritis. The patient was immediately started on antibiotics and taken to the operating room for excision and debridement.

Conclusion: While computed tomography is routinely used in the emergency department for diagnosing septic arthritis, ultrasound offers a rapid and safe alternative for diagnosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: By the CPC-EM article submission agreement, all authors are required to disclose all affiliations, funding sources and financial or management relationships that could be perceived as potential sources of bias. The authors disclosed none.

Figures

Image 1.
Image 1.
Sternoclavicular joint on initial presentation. No fluctuance noted.
Image 2.
Image 2.
Point-of-care ultrasound of the sternoclavicular joint revealing intra-articular effusion and capsular distention.
Image 3.
Image 3.
Computed tomography revealing joint effusion, bony erosions in the clavicle and adjacent sternal manubrium.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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