Podcast 838: Sternoclavicular Septic Arthritis

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is uncommon accounting for
• Immunosuppression and IV drug use increases the risk
• Can account for up to 17% of septic arthritis cases in patients who use IV drugs
• Symptoms are typically vague with pain presenting around where the sternum meets the clavicle
• Consider imaging with CT or MRI and draining/analyzing the fluid if possible
• Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, but surgery may be required to wash out joint and resect infected bone
• As septic arteritis of the sternoclavicular join is uncommon, remember that patients presenting multiple times for the same complaint require a broader differential and a more extensive workup so that less common conditions are not missed

References

Gonçalves RB, Grenho A, Correia J, Reis JE. Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis in a healthy adult: a rare diagnosis with frequent complications. J Bone Jt Infect. 2021;6(9):389-392. doi:10.5194/jbji-6-389-2021

Thompson MA, Barlotta KS. Septic Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint. J Emerg Med. Jul 2018;55(1):128-129. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2018.02.044

Summarized by Mark O'Brien, MS4 | Edited by John Spartz, MD, & Erik Verzemnieks, MD

In an effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in Emergency Medicine, The Emergency Medical Minute is proud to present our 2nd annual Diversity and Inclusion Award. We support increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in medicine and extend this award to individuals applying to emergency medicine residencies during the 2022-2023 cycle. For information on award eligibility and the application process, visit https://emergencymedicalminute.com/edi-award/

Donate to EMM today!