Septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint: a case series and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective

To report a case series of three patients with septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint and a review of the literature for this condition. Additionally, we developed an algorithm for diagnosing and treating septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated at our institution for septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint during the collection period was performed and three cases were identified. A review of the English literature on this rare condition was also performed with only 28 cases being identified.

Results

A series of three consecutive patients were treated for septic acromioclavicular arthritis with resolution of the infection. Two patients underwent open surgical debridement and one underwent aspiration. All patients were treated with a minimum of six weeks of tailored intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion

Septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint can be difficult to diagnose and requires a high index of suspicion. Surgical debridement, open or arthroscopic, with tailored antibiotic therapy is an effective means for the management of septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. In patients who are unable to have surgical debridement, aspiration and tailored antibiotics have been shown to be effective.