[ XXXX of the sternoclavicular joint].

@entity1 @entity7190 @entity5 @entity146
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: @entity7190 is a  rare, but feared, late complication after radiotherapy of the head and neck region. Its localization to the sternoclavicular joint has rarely been described so far. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data are from a retrospective study that included all @entity1 admitted to the authors' clinic with @entity7190 of the sternoclavicular joint during the last 5  years. Therapy and outcome were evaluated and compared to the established literature. RESULTS: Over the past 5  years, 2  @entity1 have been treated for pronounced @entity7190 of the sternoclavicular joint. Both @entity1 had received postoperative radiotherapy for @entity5 of the neck and chest, and presented with lesions involving the clavicle and the sternum. After eliminating the suspicion of recurrent @entity5 , both radiologic imaging and histopathologic evaluation confirmed an infection. @entity146 debridement with partial claviculectomy, partial sternectomy, and reconstruction using a  pectoralis flap lead to the @entity1 ' recovery. CONCLUSION: @entity7190 does not only affect bone, but also the surrounding soft tissue. Due to the changes associated with previous radiotherapy, @entity7190 should always be treated with radical debridement of the infected area, followed by flap reconstruction using unaffected tissue. The prognosis for the @entity1 is then good.
