Sternoclavicular septic arthritis, a late complication after surgical tracheostomy: A case report

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare condition. The diagnosis of sternoclavicular septic arthritis as a late complication of surgical tracheostomy is extremely uncommon. A case study is presented of a man in his 70s who experienced painful swelling of the right sternoclavicular joint three months after elective surgical tracheostomy. The diagnosis was made based on clinical history and examination. The patient achieved a full recovery following antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage. This report is the second documented case of sternoclavicular septic arthritis resulting from surgical tracheostomy.

Keywords

• Septic arthritis
• sternoclavicular joint
• suppurative arthritis
• surgical management