Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder After SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer Vaccination: A Case Report
Dustin H Massel1, Sagie Haziza1, Sebastian Rivera1
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.
Case:
We report a case of a 68-year-old woman who developed left shoulder glenohumeral joint septic arthritis within 1 week of receiving the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Conclusion:
Common vaccine complications include injection site pain, fever, chills, arthralgia, and hypersensitivity reactions. A less common and more serious complication of septic arthritis has been reported and requires invasive treatment of surgical irrigation and debridement, and culture-specific parenteral antibiotic therapy. The current report highlights the clinical presentation and significant potential for serious complication with the improper technique. We urge vaccine administrators to practice caution and aseptic technique when vaccinating patients to reduce the risk of complication and morbidity.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

