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.