Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint caused by salmonella in a healthy person

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is an unusual site for septic arthritis in healthy people. It is mostly described as affecting intravenous drug abusers. We report a rare case of sternoclavicular osteo-arthritis caused by non-typhoid salmonella in an immunocompetent person. The patient presented with general weakness, dizziness, epigastric and anterior chest pain that had persisted for one week. Peptic ulcer disease was diagnosed by gastro-intestinal endoscopy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed fluid accumulation around the left sternoclavicular joint. Surgical exploration revealed pus, which was drained. The pus culture grew salmonella enterica serotype D. After repeated debridement and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the patient was discharged home four weeks later.