Sternoclavicular Joint Infections: Improved Outcomes With Myocutaneous Flaps

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection is a rare disease and its management remains controversial. Our institution has adopted an aggressive surgical approach of radical SCJ resection combined with myocutaneous flap (MCF) closure whenever possible. We reviewed our experience with this approach in the management of this condition. From July 2004 to June 2018, 50 consecutive patients were treated surgically for SCJ infections. Patient demographics, imaging studies, microbiology, and operative variables were analyzed. All patients underwent ipsilateral SCJ resection. Wound closure was performed with primary pectoralis advancement MCF closure at the initial operation in 25 patients, delayed MCF closure following temporary wound vacuum therapy and redebridement in 19 patients, and definitive wound vacuum therapy (DWVT) in 6 patients. End points were recurrence of infection, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. Localized swelling (100%) and pain (100%) were the most common presenting symptoms. MSSA was isolated in 50% of tissue cultures. Comorbidities included tobacco smoking 52%, diabetes mellitus 50%, intravenous drug use 34%, poor dental hygiene 32%, and obesity 28%. We had no deaths within 90 days of operation. Complications; seroma in 1 patient (2%), chest wall hernia in 1 patient (2%), retained drains in 1 patient (2%), recurrent osteomyelitis infection in 3 patients (6%), and hematomas in 5 patients (10%). Patients treated with primary MCF closure at the initial operation had a 0% (0/25) rate of recurrence compared to 5.26% (1/19) in delayed MCF closure. Overall, there was only a 2.27% (1/44) recurrence of infection in primary and delayed MCF closure combined, compared to 33.33% (2/6) in patients treated with DWVT closure. SCJ infections require an aggressive approach. Wound closure with an MCF (primary or delayed) is associated with less recurrence of infections compared with DWVT closure. Radical resection of the entire SCJ with MCF (primary or delayed) should be considered the preferred management strategy in patients with SCJ infections.