J Emerg Med
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Infection of the sternoclavicular joint is an uncommon disease that is usually seen in patients with underlying risk factors such as prior trauma, intravenous drug use, or diabetes mellitus. The true pathophysiology remains unknown, but underlying bacteremia has been found in a number of cases. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, severe complications such as mediastinitis, sepsis, or death can occur. ⋯ This is a case of spontaneous stenoclavicular septic arthritis in an otherwise healthy female. The patient's lack of risk factors and minimal examination findings highlight the unusual nature of the case, as well as the challenges it presents in making an early diagnosis. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS CONDITION?: Emergency physicians should consider sternoclavicular joint infections in patients who present to the emergency department with chest pain, even in patients without risk factors. They should especially consider the diagnosis in patients with suspected musculoskeletal etiologies or in those with return visits for chest pain. Although most patients do well with treatment, the infection can be life threatening without appropriate interventions.
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In 2007, of the 130 million emergency department (ED) visits, ∼ 38 million were due to injury, and of those, 1.9 million involved alcohol. The emergency department is a pivotal place to implement Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) due to the high number of patients presenting with alcohol/substance abuse risk factors or related injuries. ⋯ Few emergency physicians screen for alcohol/substance abuse despite evidence that screening and brief intervention is effective. Emergency physicians are receptive to the use of discharge material.