Acute septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint caused by Staphylococcus aureus with marked soft tissue collection towards posterior medial aspect of the AC joint: A rare clinical presentation()

Primary septic arthritis of the Acromioclavicular joint is an unusual disorder and is seldom seen even in an immunocompromised person. We report a case of primary septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular (A-C) joint caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was admitted with pain in the left shoulder, restricted movements and fever. Laboratory parameters showed elevated C-reactive protein, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and leukocytosis. Ultrasound revealed a 32 mm collection at the acromioclavicular joint. Patient underwent incision and drainage of abscess. Culture and sensitivity revealed moderate growth of Staphylococcus-aureus. Patient was started on appropriate intravenous antibiotics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done after 2 weeks revealed marked erosion in the lateral end of clavicle with soft tissue collection along the posteromedial aspect A-C joint. The patient had to undergo repeat drainage of the abscess along with the decompression of lateral end of clavicle. The patient was successfully treated with 8 weeks of appropriate antibiotics with complete resolution of infection.