A Rare Presentation of Brodie Abscess in the Clavicle

Abstract

A 12-year-old otherwise healthy boy presented with acute shoulder pain and remote history of trauma. Despite an unimpressive clinical examination, laboratory workup, and initial radiographic evaluation, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with a Brodie abscess of the distal clavicle. Complete resolution was achieved with débridement and tailored antibiotic therapy. These abscesses are rare, often presenting surreptitiously with nonspecific symptoms and without systemic signs of infection. Therefore, maintaining a broad differential and high clinical suspicion is crucial to mitigate the increased morbidity that can result from a delayed diagnosis.