Sternoclavicular Septic Arthritis: Partial Resection is Still an Option - A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection is rare. Delayed diagnosis might lead to severe complications. Optimal surgical management is still under debate however extended resection of the joint requiring muscle flap coverage appears to be the favored approach nowadays in the cases with bony involvement. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old man complained of isolated left shoulder and anterior chest pain for over a month. Careful examination revealed a mass over the SCJ. A Computed tomography scan confirmed joint effusion and adjacent bone erosion, with no retrosternal involvement, consistent with SCJ septic arthritis with significant bony involvement. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates how a heightened index of suspicion is essential for diagnosis and prompt treatment, and how partial resection was effective and resulted in complete recovery of range of motion and pain resolution, despite bony involvement. There were no signs of recurrence 1 year after surgery.