From Septic Arthritis to Sternoclavicular Osteomyelitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare entity
in clinical practice. When the diagnosis is not timely,
serious complications can arise. Risk factors for this entity
include intravenous drug use, the placement subclavian
central venous catheters, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and immunosuppressive therapy. The most implicated microorganism in this infection is Staphylococcus aureus. The clinical picture is characterized by inflammatory signs of the joint, with pain upon passive/active mobilization of the affected ipsilateral upper limb. The treatment is based on antibiotic therapy and surgical approach to control the infectious focus.

The authors present the case of a late complication of
septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint, with destruction of the joint, associated with the use of a right subclavian central venous catheterization. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. The patient underwent targeted therapy with antibiotics and surgery to control the infection.

This case demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis
of this pathology in order to minimize the underlying complications that increase morbidity and mortality.