Haematogenous tuberculous infection following revision of a loosened total hip replacement

A case of tuberculous arthritis complicating revision of a total hip replacement (THR) is reported. Primary THR was performed for arthrosis of the hip and the patient underwent revision because of aseptic loosening. After this surgical procedure, secondary infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis occurred. Bacterial contamination due to haematogenous spread probably from a reactivated old quiescent tuberculous pleural focus is proposed as the most likely source of infection in this patient. Tuberculous infections in THR are rare but prophylactic use of antituberculous drugs in patients with a history of tuberculosis may reduce the risk of reactivation of old foci and serve to eliminate contamination of prosthetic replacements. Received: 15 May 1997