Our 10-year multicenter study examines the epidemiology, presentation, management, and outcomes of elbow native joint septic arthritis, a rare condition with risks like reoperation and mortality. Common symptoms included pain and swelling. Synovial fluid white blood cell counts were often low, with monosodium urate crystals also noted. Staphylococcus aureus was the main pathogen, and 72.2 % of patients underwent open debridement.

A 71-year-old patient underwent shoulder surgery but developed a mild fever, swelling, a burning sensation, and redness of the right shoulder on postoperative day 5. Postoperative septic arthritis was diagnosed, and tissue culture revealed M. catarrhalis. Infection caused by M. catarrhalis is rare after orthopedic surgery, and this is the first reported case of septic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint occurring after arthroscopic surgery. 

The sternoclavicular joint is an uncommon location for septic arthritis and exceedingly rare in the healthy population. Diagnosis is often delayed by poorly localized symptoms and misdiagnosis, as was observed in our patient and which can result in life-threatening complications. We highlight the importance of proper clinical examination and adequate imaging for diagnosis and identification of its complications, as well as the need for multidisciplinary collaboration during treatment.

We report on a patient with septic arthritis of the knee with Pantoea agglomerans after a penetrating black locust thorn injury. Antibiotics alone or in combination with an arthroscopy may be insufficient for achieving source control. Accurate medical history and open debridement with a search for a thorn fragment are key to successful treatment. This publication includes a thorough literature review which analyses the outcome of all reported cases worldwide.