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Case report: Rhodococcus erythropolis osteomyelitis in the toe.
1Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SX, UK. mayankroy@hotmail.com
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|May 22, 2009
Summary
Rhodococcus erythropolis rarely causes musculoskeletal infections. This case details a successful treatment of a foot infection caused by this rare bacterium following joint fusion surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Musculoskeletal infections are uncommon in Rhodococcus species, with limited documented cases.
- Rhodococcus erythropolis is an opportunistic pathogen rarely implicated in bone and joint infections.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with persistent pain, swelling, and nonunion a year after first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion surgery.
- Revision arthrodesis was performed, and tissue samples identified Rhodococcus erythropolis as the causative agent.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms resolved following a course of oral antibiotics.
- Successful union of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was achieved one year after revision surgery.
Implications:
- This case represents the first reported instance of a musculoskeletal infection specifically caused by Rhodococcus erythropolis.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare bacterial pathogens in refractory orthopedic infections.
- Suggests that Rhodococcus erythropolis infections in musculoskeletal tissues may be treatable with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
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