Surgical treatment of sternoclavicular joint infections in cirrhotic patients

Background Cirrhotic patients with sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection pose a unique challenge for which there are no management guidelines. We reviewed our experience with this unusual infection in this high-risk patient population. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with cirrhosis (n = 5) treated surgically for SCJ infection from January 1998 to July 2006. Results All infections were locally advanced with bone necrosis, complex abscess formation, or mediastinal involvement. En bloc SCJ resection was performed in 3 patients. A more conservative approach of incision and drainage with debridement was performed in 2 patients. Sepsis and/or pulmonary compromise occurred in all patients postoperatively and the surgical mortality rate was 40%. All deaths occurred after en bloc SCJ resection. Conclusions Sternoclavicular joint infections in cirrhotic patients tend to be extensive in nature and pose a high surgical risk. Adequate surgical drainage and debridement may be better tolerated than a radical en block resection.