Primary Meningococcal Type C Arthritis: A Case Report and Literature Review
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Published on: September 20, 2018
Maximiliano Barahona1, Jaime Catalan1, Yoshiro Sato1
1Orthopaedic Department at Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santos Dumont 999, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Acute septic arthritis is a common clinical problem in emergency departments. Primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) is very rare and few cases are reported in literature. D. B. M. consulted the emergency department for knee pain and fever; analysis showed that the cause was a Neisseria meningitidis type C infection. He received a treatment consisting of 2 arthroscopies and 5 weeks of antibiotics. At five weeks he returned to work and at 2 months he resumed sports (jogging and soccer) without complaints. Primary arthritis of the knee caused by Neisseria meningitidis is very rare. It has a very good response to antibiotics and arthroscopy procedure. Short-term follow-up and functional results are often good or excellent.
Insights
Primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA) is a rare condition. This case study shows PMA in the knee responded well to antibiotics and arthroscopy, with excellent functional recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Acute septic arthritis is a frequent emergency department presentation.
- Primary meningococcal arthritis (PMA), a specific form of septic arthritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is exceptionally rare.
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