Septic Arthritis of the Ankle Caused by Group-B Streptococci Following Blunt Trauma: A Case Report

A healthy young adult underwent irrigation and debridement after experiencing minimal blunt trauma involving the ankle. Culture of synovial fluid demonstrated growth of group-B streptococci. Magnetic resonance imaging of the joint at three months of follow-up demonstrated synovitis without signs of osteomyelitis. At one year of follow-up, the patient reported resolution of pain and return of range of motion to normal baseline.

Septic arthritis of the ankle can lead to joint destruction if not immediately diagnosed and treated. Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be administered while awaiting bacterial identification on the basis of culture of synovial fluid. Group-B streptococci are a more common cause of septic arthritis in the pediatric and peripartum populations; however, hematogenous spread can translocate these bacteria from the genitourinary tract to joints in all age groups.