[Gouty arthritis in a total knee prosthesis]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Total knee prostheses are common in elderly patients.
• Complications can arise, including inflammatory and infectious processes.
• Distinguishing between these conditions is clinically significant.

Observation:

• A 69-year-old male presented with bilateral knee swelling, pain, and elevated inflammatory markers.
• Gout was diagnosed in the right knee.
• Hemarthrosis during calcium carbasalate use was noted in the left knee.

Findings:

• Gout occurring in a knee with a total knee prosthesis is a rare presentation.
• This condition can clinically mimic septic arthritis.
• Inflammatory markers were markedly elevated in the affected patient.

Implications:

• Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for appropriate management.
• Gout treatment involves medication.
• Septic arthritis in prosthetic joints often requires surgical intervention, potentially including prosthesis removal.