Surgical management of severe spontaneous sternoclavicular joint infections

Objective: Spontaneous infections of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) are rare; there is no common consensus on their management. We reviewed our experience with the management of this condition. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the data of the patients referred to our thoracic unit for surgical treatment of severe spontaneous SCJ infection. Results: From March 2008 to Mai 2014, 13 patients (11 men and 2 women) were treated surgically for infected SCJ. The median age was 59 (range 35 – 85) years. All patients were symptomatic. Swelling was present in all 13 patients, pain in 11 patients and fever in 10 patie…