Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis with chest wall abscess in a healthy adult: a case report

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is rare. It can be associated with serious complications such as osteomyelitis, chest wall abscess, and mediastinitis. In this report, we describe a case of an otherwise healthy adult with septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint with chest wall abscess. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital complaining of pain and erythema near the right sternoclavicular joint. Despite 1 week of oral antibiotics, his symptoms did not improve. Computed tomography revealed an abscess with air around the right pectoralis major muscle. After being transferred to a tertiary hospital, emergency surgery was performed. Operative findings included necrotic tissue around the right sternoclavicular joint and sternoclavicular joint destruction, which was debrided and packed open. Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was identified in blood and wound cultures. Negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were performed for infection control and wound healing. The patient’s general condition improved, and good granulation tissue developed. The wound was closed using a V-Y flap on hospital day 48. The patient has been free of relapse for 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is an unusual infection, especially in otherwise healthy adults. Because it is associated with serious complications such as chest wall abscess, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are required.