Sternoclavicular septic arthritis: a series of 5 cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Infectious arthritis is a medical emergency whose prognosis, in terms of general morbidity and the final functionality of the joint, depends on rapid diagnosis and treatment. The sternoclavicular joint is an area of low prevalence of this type of arthritis, although its frequency is often concentrated in immunosuppressed patients, users of parenteral drugs or after traumatic events. We present a series of 5 microbiologically documented cases of sternoclavicular septic arthritis, 3 of which occurred in immunocompetent patients, and a short review of this pathology.

Keywords: Articulación esternoclavicular; Artritis infecciosa; Artritis séptica; Infectious arthritis; Septic arthritis; Sternoclavicular joint.