Sternoclavicular joint osteomyelitis following head and neck surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To review all reported cases of sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) osteomyelitis following head and neck surgery.


METHODS
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.
Vu
Thien-Tuong-Vi
TT
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Yammine
Nadine V
NV
Al-Hakami
Hadi
H
Hier
Michael P
MP
Black
Martin J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013247:Sternoclavicular Joint / Q000601:surgery; D014139:Tracheostomy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents