Sternoclavicular Septic Arthritis Caused by Cutibacterium acnes in a Previously Healthy 13-Year-Old Male

Abstract

Case: A 13-year-old boy presented with 3 weeks of atraumatic left-sided sternoclavicular (SC) joint pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. After imaging and laboratory workup, he underwent operative irrigation, debridement, and antibiotic therapy with complete resolution of his symptoms. Surgical cultures were consistent with SC septic arthritis. Conclusion: The management of septic arthritis in pediatric patients remains varied. Here, we present the only report of SC septic arthritis due to Cutibacterium acnes in a healthy pediatric patient. Given the similar clinical findings of pain and swelling to affected bones and joints, differentiating SC septic arthritis from other conditions within the clinical spectrum of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis remains challenging. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when patients present with pain and swelling over the SC joint.

Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Sternoclavicular Joint Infections and Clavicular Osteomyelitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report of 3 Cases

“…In this case report, we present three pediatric cases of SCJI, an exceedingly rare condition with only a handful of studies pertaining to children. 9 All three cases share the common theme of delayed diagnosis, and all three patients presented during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”