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Atlanto-axial infection after acupuncture.
A Robinson1, C R P Lind2, R J Smith1
1Department of Medicine, Geraldton Regional Hospital, Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia.
BMJ Case Reports
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Acupuncture for cervical spondylosis led to Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis. Infection likely spread through the bloodstream, not direct contact, highlighting rare but serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Complementary Medicine
Background:
- Acupuncture is increasingly used for chronic pain conditions like cervical spondylosis.
- Infectious complications following acupuncture are rare but can be severe.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing such cases.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old man developed neck cellulitis after acupuncture.
- Blood cultures revealed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
- MRI confirmed atlanto-axial septic arthritis, with no direct tissue extension from the cellulitis.
Findings:
- The patient's atlanto-axial septic arthritis was likely caused by hematogenous spread of MSSA.
- The acupuncture site and the joint infection were considered coincidental, not directly linked by extension.
- This case highlights the possibility of distant infections following acupuncture procedures.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider acupuncture as a potential, albeit rare, source of infection, even when the infection site is distant.
- A thorough patient history, including recent complementary therapies like acupuncture, is vital for accurate diagnosis.
- Increased awareness of acupuncture-associated infections can improve patient outcomes through timely intervention and treatment.
