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Published on: December 3, 2017
Atypical Presentation of Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Knee Arthroplasty due to Parvimonas micra
Dustin Randall1, Young Jee2, Aimen Vanood1
1Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Auburn Hills, MI, USA.
Abstract:
There is limited literature reporting the oral pathogen Parvimonas micra as the causative organism of periprosthetic joint infection. Previous reports demonstrate septic arthritis in native or prosthetic joints due to P. micra in elderly or immunocompromised patients associated with tooth abscess and periodontal disease. Our case report is unique because it describes a healthy individual with recurrent gingivitis developing periprosthetic joint infection after total knee arthroplasty as the result of isolated P. micra. Her clinical symptom presented early and manifested as progressive stiffness only. Timely aspiration resulted in early diagnosis, but the patient still underwent 2-stage revision with a more constrained implant. To prevent the risk of infection by oral pathogens such as P. micra, dental history should be thoroughly investigated, and any lingering periodontal infection should be addressed before any arthroplasty operation.
Insights
Oral pathogen Parvimonas micra can cause periprosthetic joint infection, even in healthy individuals. Thorough dental evaluation before arthroplasty is crucial to prevent P. micra infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Limited literature exists on Parvimonas micra causing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).
- Previous PJI cases linked to P. micra involved immunocompromised patients with dental issues.
Observation:
- A healthy patient with recurrent gingivitis developed PJI after total knee arthroplasty.
- The infection was solely caused by the oral pathogen Parvimonas micra.
- Early symptoms included progressive joint stiffness, leading to timely diagnosis via aspiration.
Findings:
- This case highlights P. micra as a causative agent in a healthy patient without typical risk factors.
- The patient required a two-stage revision surgery with a constrained implant due to the infection.
Implications:
- Investigating dental history and treating periodontal disease before arthroplasty is vital.
- This emphasizes the need to consider oral pathogens in PJI, even in seemingly healthy patients.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for successful PJI management.
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