Isolated staphylococcal infection of the sternoclavicular joint.

An acute monoarticular infection of the sternoclavicular joint due to coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus occurred without predisposing factors in a 48-year-old man. Pyogenic infection must be considered as a cause of pain and swelling of the sternoclavicular joint. Correctly diagnosed and promptly treated, the end results of sternoclavicular joint infection can be excellent.