Sternoclavicular Joint Septic Arthritis Manifesting as a Neck Abscess: A Case Report

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is an uncommon condition, and the diagnosis can be missed until a complication occurs. The sternoclavicular joint is more often involved in ankylosing spondylitis, degenerative arthritic conditions (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis), and primary and secondary metastatic conditions. The patient described in this case report came to the otolaryngology department on two occasions for treatment of a unilateral cutaneous neck abscess. The correct diagnosis was not made until the second visit. The author reviews the clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment of this uncommon disease.