Objectives/hypothesis: To review all reported cases of sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) osteomyelitis following head and neck surgery.
Study design: Retrospective case review.
Methods: PubMed search and one additional case from our institution.
Results: Twelve cases were reviewed, and the following recommendations are suggested: risk factors for SCJ osteomyelitis should be identified; early and prompt diagnosis of SCJ osteomyelitis is warranted; tracheostoma care and careful examination of the skin should not be neglected; meticulous screening for cancer recurrence is imperative; if SCJ infection is suspected, cancer recurrence must be ruled out with biopsies; and surgical debridement is considered the gold standard of treatment. Administration of newer-generation antibiotics is a reasonable choice when the infection is detected early, as is maintaining a low threshold for surgical treatment if disease persists or progresses.
Conclusions: Osteomyelitis of the SCJ following head and neck surgery is uncommon and must be distinguished from malignancy with biopsies. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative. Laryngoscope, 2010.