Septic Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint caused by Salmonella in a Healthy Person

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint is an unusual site for septic arthritis in healthy people. It is mostly described as affecting intravenous drug abusers. We report a rare case of sternoclavicular osteo-arthritis caused by non-typhoid salmonella in an immunocompetent person. The patient presented with general weakness, dizziness, epigastric and anterior chest pain that had persisted for one week. Peptic ulcer disease was diagnosed by gastro-intestinal endoscopy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed fluid accumulation around the left sternoclavicular joint. Surgical exploration revealed pus, which was drained. The pus culture grew salmonella enterica serotype D. After repeated debridement and appropriate antibiotic treatment, the patient was discharged home four weeks later.     

Outcome and Predictors of Septic Failure Following Total Joint Arthroplasty for Prior Septic Arthritis of Hip and Knee Joint

BackgroundArthroplasty patients with prior septic arthritis are at a high risk of developing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The aims of this study are to investigate the outcome and predictors of septic failure following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for prior septic arthritis. In addition, the optimal timing of TJA is also discussed.MethodsA retrospective review of 105 TJA patients with prior septic arthritis between January 2000 and December 2019 was performed. Patient-specific and surgery-related factors, organism profiles, and other relevant variables were recorded.ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 10.3 years, the PJI rate was 16.2%. The adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed that male gender (HR, 9.95; P < .01), end-stage renal disease (HR, 37.34; P < .01), debridement surgery ≥3 times (HR,4.75; P = .04) and polymicrobial infection in primary septic arthritis (HR, 10.02; P = .02) were independent risk factors for PJI. Neither the types of initial debridement, nor one-stage vs two-stage arthroplasty was related to the risk of PJI. While delaying the timing of TJA did not correlate with a reduction of PJI rate, there was a higher risk of PJI re-infection by the same microorganisms isolated in prior septic arthritis if TJA was performed within 6 months after septic arthritis.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that male gender, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), multiple debridement surgeries and polymicrobial septic arthritis predisposed septic failure of TJA following prior septic arthritis. Surgeons should counsel patients with the potential complications, and be cognizant about the risk factors pertaining to septic failure when considering TJA.     

Arthroscopic Treatment of Septic Arthritis of Acromioclavicular Joint

Septic arthritis requires an early diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent the destruction of articular cartilage and joint contracture. This paper presents a rare case of septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint that was treated with arthroscopic debridement and resection of the distal clavicle.     

Risk Factors for Failure and Optimal Treatment of Total Joint Arthroplasty for Septic Arthritis

BackgroundPatients with native joint septic arthritis are one of the highest risk groups for developing complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA), especially periprosthetic joint infection(PJI). There is a paucity of information on the risk factors for developing PJI and the optimal treatment modality of the native septic joint that can mitigate that risk. This multicenter study aimed to determine these risk factors, including prior treatment.MethodsA retrospective study of 233 TJAs performed, following prior septic arthritis at five institutions, was conducted. Comorbidities, organism profile, prior surgery, etiology of septic arthritis, and other relevant variables were reviewed. The primary outcome was the development of PJI, defined by Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for PJI.ResultsOverall, the PJI rate was 12.4% in patients who underwent TJA after native septic arthritis. Predisposing risk factors for PJI included antibiotic-resistant organisms, male gender, diabetes, and a postsurgical cause of septic arthritis eg open reduction internal fixation. When controlling for potential confounders, multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, diabetes, and a postoperative etiology were predictors of PJI. The definitive treatment modality for the septic joint did not affect the rate of PJI for both arthroscopy vs irrigation and debridement (I&D), and two-stage exchange vs single-stage procedure.DiscussionThis study has identified several risk factors for developing PJI in patients with prior septic joint arthritis, some of which are modifiable. The initial treatment modality of the native septic joint has no bearing on the development of PJI after TJA.     

Subtalar Joint Septic Arthritis in a Patient with Hypogammaglobulinemia

The clinical presentation of a monoarticular, red, hot, and swollen joint has many possible diagnoses, including septic arthritis, which is 1 of the most devastating. The morbidity associated with this pathologic process involves permanent joint damage and the potential for progression to systemic illness and, even, mortality. The common risk factors for joint sepsis include a history of rheumatoid arthritis, previous joint surgery, joint prosthesis, intravenous drug abuse, alcoholism, diabetes, previous intra-articular steroid use, and cutaneous ulceration. The diagnosis is primarily determined from the culture results after arthrocentesis and correlation with direct visualization, imaging, and various serologies, including synovial analysis. In the present report, a case of an insidious presentation of subtalar joint septic arthritis and its association with a unique patient presentation concomitant with primary immunodeficiency and culture-proven Myocplasma hominis infection is discussed. Septic arthritis has a predilection for the lower extremities and typically is isolated to the hip or knee, with less common involvement of the ankle or metatarsophalangeal joints. Owing to the uncommon nature of primary immunodeficiency disorders and the paucity of studies discussing their association with septic arthridites, we aimed to raise awareness of subtalar joint septic arthritis and to provide a brief overview of the pathogenesis as it presented in a 33-year-old male with X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia/agammaglobulinema.     

Primary Meningococcal Septic Arthritis of the Ankle Joint: A Case Report

We present the case of a healthy 18-year-old female who presented with history of an acute onset, painful, swollen right ankle joint. Microbiologic samples from the ankle aspirate grew Neisseria meningitidis. She had had no previous contact with a patient with meningitis nor any existing or preceding clinical symptoms of meningitis. She was treated with surgical drainage with mini-open arthrotomy and a repeat washout at 48 hours. The identification of the organism was expedited using the Analytical Profiling Index (bioMérieux UK, Basingstoke, UK). Our patient was treated with 2 weeks of third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics. At the final follow-up visit, the inflammatory markers had returned to normal, with a normal ankle joint and no evidence of long-term sequelae of septic arthritis. Primary septic arthritis with N. meningitidis is exceptionally rare in the adult population and has been most often reported in the knee. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary septic arthritis of the native adult ankle joint in a healthy individual due to N. meningitides that was diagnosed and treated appropriately with no residual sequelae of the disease.     

Less Than 1-Year Quiescent Period After Septic Arthritis of the Hip is Associated With High Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundApproximately 20,000 patients are diagnosed with septic arthritis annually, with 15% specifically affecting the hip joint. These cases exacerbate arthritic changes, often warranting a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Given their prior history of infection, these patients are predisposed to subsequent periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Multiple studies suggest delaying THA after a native septic hip, but no study utilizing a large cohort examined the specific timing to mitigate post-THA PJI risk within a short (<1 year) quiescent period after septic arthritis. We sought to compare patients who were diagnosed with septic hip arthritis at time intervals (0-6, or 6-12 months) prior to an ipsilateral primary THA to a cohort of THA patients who never had a septic hip history. Specifically, we assessed: from 90 days to 2 years (1) revisions due to PJI and (2) associated risk factors for PJI at 2-years.MethodsA national, all-payer database was queried to identify all patients who underwent a primary THA between 2010 and 2021 and patients who had prior ipsilateral septic hip arthritis were characterized using International Classification of Disease and Current Practice Terminology codes (n = 1,052). A randomized sample of patients who never had a history of septic arthritis prior to undergoing THA was used as a nonseptic group comparison (n = 5,000). The incidences of PJI at 90 days through two years were then identified and compared using bivariate chi-square analyses. Risk factors for post-THA PJIs were then analyzed using multivariate regression models.ResultsThe septic arthritis cohorts were more likely to require revisions due to PJIs, as compared to the non-septic group at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years (all P < .0001). Patients who were diagnosed with septic arthritis between 0 and 6 months prior to THA were at greater PJI risk at both one-year (odds ratio (OR) of 43.1 versus 29.6, P < .0001) and two years (OR of 38.3 versus 22.1, P < .0001) compared to patients who had diagnoses between 6 and 12 months. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and tobacco use were associated risk factors for PJIs at 2 years in the septic hip cohort in comparison to the cohort without a septic hip history.ConclusionLess than a 1-year quiescent period after septic arthritis is associated with a 38 times increased risk and a 22 times risk for post-THA PJI, at 0 and 6 months and 6 and 12 months, respectively. Though patients who undergo THA greater than 6 months after their septic arthritis treatment have a decreased risk compared to those between 0 and 6 months the risks are still high. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the increased risks of PJIs when considering performing a THA in patients with a history of septic arthritis.     

Prior Septic Arthritis Within One Year of Knee Arthroplasty is Associated With a High Risk for Infection

BackgroundA prior history of a septic knee may predispose patients to a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We performed multivariate analyses of known risk factors that portend a periprosthetic infection for patients who have a history of septic arthritis (SA). The focus of the study was an assessment of the incidence of TKA PJIs at various time intervals after the onset of a septic knee (0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months, and 9 months to 1-year).MethodsWe queried a national database to identify patients who underwent a primary TKA between 2010 and 2021 (n = 1.9 million). Patients who had a prior septic knee ipsilateral to the primary TKA were characterized (n = 4,251) and were put into four specific cohorts based on the interval between the SA diagnosis and TKA: less than 3 months; 3 to 6 months; 6 to 9 months; and 9 to 12 months. A cohort of patients who did not have history of septic knee were used for comparison (n = 5,000). The incidence of PJIs from 90 days to 1 year was identified and compared using multivariate analyses.ResultsAll time cohorts were more likely to require revisions due to PJI, as compared to the comparison group. Significant differences were demonstrated among all time cohorts who had prior SA compared to patients who did not have a history of SA (odds ratio [OR] range, 90.0 to 113.0, P < .001).ConclusionThis study has shown an increased PJI risk in the first year after SA (P < .05). The surgeon should be aware of the increased PJI risk after SA within the first year after TKA.     

A Case of Adult Onset Still's Disease Misdiagnosed as Septic Arthritis

We present a case of adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) that was misdiagnosed as septic arthritis of the shoulder and knee. A forty-nine-year-old woman was admitted for pain in the left knee. The patient's medical history showed that she had undergone arthroscopic irrigation twice and an open debridement under the diagnosis of septic shoulder at another hospital. The laboratory and joint fluid analysis findings led us to suspect septic knee. Arthroscopic irrigation and antibiotics treatment were performed. At five weeks after discharge, she presented with pain in the same joint, fever, and rash. The symptoms were consistent with Yamaguchi's criteria for AOSD. We started corticosteroid therapy, and clinical remission was achieved. In conclusion, we suggest that AOSD should be considered as a diagnosis of exclusion to avoid misdiagnosis with septic arthritis.     

A Case Report of Pneumococcal Septic Arthritis Following a Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Prodrome with Accompanying Literature Review

We report an uncommon case of septic arthritis of the ankle from a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and provide an update of the literature reported since 2002. A 58-year-old female presented to the hospital with right ankle pain and an inability to bear weight. She reported a history of productive cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and subjective fevers 4 days earlier. Streptococcus pneumonia was identified in her ankle aspirate, and she was treated urgently with operative incision and debridement, followed by postoperative intravenous antibiotics. At her 7-week follow-up, she demonstrated complete resolution of symptoms and near-complete recovery of range of motion. This case demonstrates the importance of early identification, as the majority of patients recover fully with prompt treatment. The literature review included 44 cases of pneumococcal septic arthritis and found that the knee was the most commonly affected joint, followed by the shoulder and ankle. Blood cultures were positive for S. pneumoniae in 27 of 38 adults (71%) and 4 of 6 children (67%). Comorbid conditions were present in 32 of 38 adults (84%) and 4 of 7 children (57%), the most frequent of which were alcoholism and osteoarthritis in adults and malignancy or immunosuppression in children. Additionally, roughly half of included adults had an extra-articular focus of pneumococcal disease, most frequently pneumonia. Operative treatment was undertaken in 32 of 38 adults (84%) and all 7 children. Of adults with data available, 24 of 33 (73%) recovered with complete joint function, compared with 5 of 7 children (71%).     

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus–Induced Septic Arthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

We encountered a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–induced septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A 20-year-old woman underwent left double-bundle ACL reconstruction by use of the hamstring tendon 18 months after her injury. She had a fever higher than 39°C, and swelling of the left knee developed on day 5 after surgery. The white blood cell count was 19,500/μL, and the C-reactive protein level was 16.9 mg/dL. Arthroscopic debridement with joint lavage was performed on day 7, followed by intermittent articular irrigation. Because the arthritis was not remitted, arthroscopic debridement with joint lavage was repeated, and the reconstructed ligament and hardware were removed on day 10. Intermittent articular irrigation was continued, but the arthritis still was not remitted, so a third arthroscopic debridement with joint lavage was performed on day 22. After treatment, continuous articular irrigation had been performed for 14 days until culture negativity of synovial fluid was confirmed. After methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified, vancomycin hydrochloride (2 g) was systemically administered for 29 days until the test for C-reactive protein became negative. Joint mobilization and revision ACL reconstruction by use of bone-tendon-bone were performed 2 months and 1 year, respectively, after the primary surgery.     

Unexpected Positive Cultures in Patients Who Have a History of Septic Revision in the Same Joint

BackgroundThe prevalence of unexpected positive cultures (UPC) in an aseptic revision surgery of the joint with a prior septic revision in the same joint remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of UPC in that specific group. As secondary outcomes, we explored risk factors for UPC.MethodsThis retrospective study includes patients who had an aseptic revision total hip/knee arthroplasty procedure with a prior septic revision in the same joint. Patients who had less than 3 microbiology samples, without joint aspiration or with aseptic revision surgery performed <3 weeks after a septic revision were excluded. The UPC was defined as a single positive culture in a revision that the surgeon had classified as aseptic according to the 2018 International Consensus Meeting. After excluding 47, a total of 92 patients were analyzed, who had a mean age of 70 years (range, 38 to 87). There were 66 (71.7%) hips and 26 (28.3%) knees. The mean time between revisions was 83 months (range, 31 to 212).ResultsWe identified 11 (12%) UPC and in 3 cases there was a concordance of the bacteria compared to the previous septic surgery. There were no differences for UPC between hips/knees (P = .282), diabetes (P = .701), immunosuppression (P = .252), previous 1-stage or 2-stages (P = .316), causes for the aseptic revision (P = .429) and time after the septic revision (P = .773).ConclusionThe prevalence of UPC in this specific group was similar to those reported in the literature for aseptic revisions. More studies are needed to better interpret the results.     

The Management of Septic Arthritis in Childhood

A prospective study of one hundred children with septic arthritis showed that the knee and hip were the joints most affected and that Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae Type B were the commonest bacteria grown. Our treatment, consisting of early arthrotomy and intravenous methicillin and ampicillin, followed by six weeks of joint immobilization and oral administration of cloxacillin and ampicillin, effectively reversed the inflammatory process and compared very favourably with other methods of treatment. Significant residual joint abnormalities, present in 7% of the children, resulted from severe joint damage occurring before treatment. To achieve the best results, this regime must be instituted before permanent joint damage has occurred. This will only be achieved if an early clinical diagnosis of septic arthritis is made     

Acromioclavicular joint septic arthritis in an immunocompetent child: A case report

Septic arthritis of acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a rare entity. It is generally seen in patients who are immunocompromised. Only 15 cases have been reported till now, with only one case series of 6 patients. We report a case of septic arthritis of AC joint in an immunocompetent child. A 9 years old girl presented with history of pain in left shoulder for 4 days associated with fever. No history suggestive of any immunocompromised state was complained. On local examination, a swelling of around 3 cm in diameter was found over left AC joint region with raised local temperature, tenderness on palpation and positive response in fluctuation test. Total leukocyte count was 18.7 × 10⁹/L with 80% of neutrophils. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 28 mm/1 h. C-reactive protein (CRP) was 12 mg/L. X-ray showed enlarged left AC joint space. Ultrasound revealed hypoechoic collection in the AC joint and the surrounding area. The aspirate was thick and purulent in nature, revealing Gram positive cocci at staining. Arthrotomy and thorough lavage of AC joint was done. Culture of the aspirate showed Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) after 48 hours that was sensitive to amikacin, gentamicin, erythromycin and teicoplanin. Patient was symptom-free at 2 months of follow-up with no signs of osteomyelitis on the radiographs. Thus this is the first case of AC joint septic arthritis in healthy individual. Being proximal to the shoulder joint, AC joint septic arthritis can be confused with the shoulder joint septic arthritis. Thus, high index of suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis.     

Surgical Management of Septic Arthritis of the Knee With a Coexistent Popliteal Cyst

We report a case of knee pyarthrosis in a 54-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and a popliteal cyst. The onset of infection coincided with a cortisone injection. Initial management consisted of arthroscopic irrigation and debridement (I&D) on 2 consecutive occasions without resolution of the infection. Only after open excision of the popliteal cyst in conjunction with I&D of the knee joint proper did the infection resolve. This is the first reported case of a patient requiring excision of a popliteal cyst to clear pyarthrosis of the knee after failure of arthroscopic I&D. Consideration should be given to open debridement or drainage of popliteal cysts in patients who present with septic arthritis in the presence of a popliteal cyst. A treatment algorithm for managing this clinical scenario is presented.     

Clinical Outcomes and Global Health After Joint Debridement in Adult-Onset Septic Arthritis: A Prospective Observational Study

PurposeDespite several reports on risk factors for septic arthritis (SA) in adults, the outcomes on quality of life and joint function are sparsely reported. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life and joint function in adult patients treated for SA.MethodsThis prospective observational study enrolled clinically diagnosed adult SA patients and estimated Euroqol 5-dimension 5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire, Euroqol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) and a validated tool for joint function at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after debridement.ResultsTwenty seven patients (20 males/7 females) with 21 knees, four shoulders, and two elbows were evaluated. The mean age of the cases was 51(± 13.00) years. Three cases sustained mortality. EQ-5D-5L (P < 0.01) and EQ-VAS (P < 0.01) scores improved significantly between all time frames. Mean Knee society (P < 0.01), Shoulder QuickDASH, and Mayo elbow scores improved at all time frames. There was no difference in primary outcomes between early (< 14 days) and late (14 days or more) presentation. There was no difference in primary outcome measures between confirmed and suspected SA. Fifteen patients could ambulate without support, while 6 needed some support for walking at 1 year.ConclusionImproved outcomes can be expected in quality of life and joint function in adults'' septic arthritis at the end of 1 year after surgical treatment; however, the effects of delay in presentation need to be investigated further. Isolation of the microorganism from an infected joint has no bearing on the outcome measures.     

Septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint

A patient with isolated pyogenous arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint (A-C joint) caused by Streptococcus viridans is described. The patient had no underlying disease. Minor trauma preceded shortly the development of the septic process. The patient was treated successfully with surgical drainage and antibiotics. To our knowledge this is the first case report of septic arthritis of the A-C joint caused by Streptococcus viridans. The A-C joint is rarely involved in septic processes. Even conditions such as intravenous drug abuse [3, 6] and renal dialysis [4, 7] which tend to infect unusual joints [5] have only rarely been described in association with A-C septic arthritis.     

Septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint

The acromioclavicular joint is rarely the site of septic arthritis. We conducted a retrospective review at our rheumatology department, which identified five cases within the last 6 years. All five patients were males, and their mean age was 63 years. Risk factors were consistently identified and included intravenous substance abuse, prior joint disease, a recent history of intraarticular injections, and a remote history of surgery. Joint aspiration was performed in all five patients and provided the organism in two patients. Blood cultures recovered Staphylococcus aureus in three patients, a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in one patient, and no organism in one patient. Ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging established the early diagnosis in four patients and ruled out concomitant involvement of the glenohumeral joint. Only about 20 cases of septic arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint have been reported to date. This rare infection must be diagnosed rapidly to prevent joint destruction. The treatment is that usually recommended for septic arthritis.     

Septic arthritis of the ankle due to Moraxella osloensis

We present an unusual case of septic arthritis of the ankle due to Moraxella osloensis. The implications of a diplococcus culture are discussed, including notification of the disease, the suggestion of sexual impropriety and drug-induced side effects for the treating doctors and other contacts. The case is of a 56-year-old man presenting with a past medical history of gout (great hallux) and increasing pain in his ankle. Systemic examination revealed a low-grade pyrexia and lateral malleolar swelling with evidence of an effusion. Initial gram stain revealed a raised WBC. Laboratory evaluation showed a raised CRP, ESR and urate. The patient was commenced on intravenous antibiotics. Initial blood cultures suggested a possibility of Neisseria meningitidis and primary contacts were commenced on rifampicin. The cultures were later confirmed as the rather unusual penicillin sensitive, gram-negative, aerobic Moraxella oseloensis. Antibiotics were discontinued at 6 weeks and the patient discharged at 3 months.The recognition of septic arthritis, obtaining systemic blood cultures, joint aspirates followed by prompt treatment with a suitable antibiotic regime will reduce morbidity and mortality. Recognition of any potential pathogens that may be harmful to health professionals or other close contacts is also of vital importance.