Tuberculosis of the Sternoclavicular Joint

Abstract

Tuberculosis may affect almost every part of the body. However, it is very uncommon for tuberculosis to involve the sternoclavicular joint. Demonstration of acid-fast bacilli, which is the gold standard for diagnosis, is extremely rare in these lesions. Diagnosis is usually based on demonstration of granulomas on histopathology. Good radiographs and imaging studies are supportive for diagnosis. We report a case of 32-year-old male who presented with a tender swelling over the medial end of the clavicle with a sinus and signs of inflammation. The fine needle aspiration of the lesion demonstrated acid-fast bacilli on Ziehl–Neelsen staining. The patient was put on antitubercular chemotherapy for 1 year and made an uneventful recovery.

Keywords

• sternoclavicular joint
• tuberculosis