A RARE PRESENTATION OF PRIMARY CLAVICLE OSTEOMYELITIS IN CHILDREN: SUBLUXATION OF STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT AND EXPOSED MEDIAL END OF CLAVICLE

Osteomyelitis of clavicle is an uncommon disease. In children its origin is generally haematogenous and in adults it is more commonly a secondary infection seen in association with predisposing factor. We are reporting a case of clavicle osteomyelitis in an 8 year female child. Patient presented with us with exposed medial 1/3rd of clavicle with subluxated sternoclavicular joint with abscess around the clavicle. X ray was predominantly sclerotic. Patient was managed by excision of projected medial end of clavicle and I/v antibiotic. Excised fragment sent for histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. Postoperatively patient achieved normal range of movements of involved upper limb. Primary osteomyelitis of clavicle is very rare disease. The radiographic findings in clavicular osteomyelitis are frequently not diagnostic and histopathological examination of the diseased bone is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. The management includes both medical and surgical strategies. A large part of the clavicle can be excised without significant loss of function.