An Unusual Case of Sternoclavicular Joint Infection and Lung Abscess

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare and serious infection. A delay in the diagnosis may lead to serious complications. The appropriate medical and surgical treatment is crucial to the outcome. This article aims to report our experience in the successful management of sternoclavicular joint infection complicated with a lung infection. The authors present an unusual case of sternoclavicular joint infection extending into lung parenchyma with lung abscess formation in a diabetic patient, with uncontrolled diabetes that was successfully treated. At revaluation, he was asymptomatic with no evidence of relapse. Although sternoclavicular joint infection is a rare condition we highlight the importance of clinician’s awareness for an early diagnosis and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgery.