Neck Abscess and Osteomyelitis Secondary to a Sternoclavicular Septic Arthritis: a Case Report

Neck Abscess and Osteomyelitis Secondary to a Sternoclavicular Septic Arthritis: a Case Report

A 64-year old female was referred to our Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) / Head & Neck surgery department due to a progressive, painful swelling on the left side of the neck since 2 weeks. A couple of weeks prior to the painful swelling in the neck she had left shoulder complaints. A contrast enhanced CT scan was made showing an impressive neck abscess, with an estimated volume of 200cc. After clinical examination, intensive surgical exploration and abscess drainage took place. Cultures showed a Staphylococcus aureus, for which prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment (Augmentin, Clindamycin) followed. Disregulated diabetes mellitus might have been a predisposing factor, but osteomyelitis of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint proved to be the cause of abscess formation.