Suppurative arthritis involving the synchondrosis of an os acromiale

Hand Surg. 2011;16(3):319-21. doi: 10.1142/S0218810411005618.

Abstract

Os acromiale is an unfused epiphysis of the anterior part of the acromion occurring in approximately 8% of the population. Infection of this joint has not been previously described in the literature. We report such a case in a 59-year-old woman presenting with shoulder pain. A high index of clinical suspicion, with early imaging of the shoulder leading to prompt and definitive diagnosis, can lead to appropriate treatment and produce a favorable outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acromion*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Infectious / complications*
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Infectious / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Microsurgery / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumococcal Infections / complications*
  • Pneumococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Pneumococcal Infections / therapy
  • Shoulder Joint / microbiology*
  • Shoulder Pain / diagnosis
  • Shoulder Pain / etiology*
  • Shoulder Pain / therapy
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / isolation & purification*
  • Suppuration
  • Therapeutic Irrigation / methods

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents