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A Rare Case of Septic Knee Arthritis Caused by Clostridium perfringens in a Patient With Colostomy
Mohammad U Khubaib1, Brett E Stark2, Benjamin Gross1
1Sports Medicine, Active Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Hackensack, USA.
Abstract:
Septic arthritis of the knee is commonly caused by aerobic organisms. Rarely, it can be caused by Clostridium perfringens, usually due to penetrating trauma. This is a rare case of C. perfringens septic arthritis in a patient with colostomy due to hematogenous spread. The patient was treated successfully with a synovectomy and a prolonged intravenous antibiotic course. The case report summarizes the existing literature on the topic and discusses the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of such cases as well.
Insights
Clostridium perfringens septic arthritis is rare, often from trauma. This case highlights hematogenous spread in a patient with a colostomy, successfully treated with surgery and antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Septic arthritis typically involves aerobic bacteria, with knee joint infections being common.
- Clostridium perfringens is a rare cause of septic arthritis, usually associated with penetrating trauma.
Observation:
- A rare case of Clostridium perfringens septic arthritis in the knee occurred in a patient with a colostomy.
- The infection was attributed to hematogenous spread rather than direct trauma.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful treatment involving synovectomy and an extended course of intravenous antibiotics.
- This case underscores the possibility of non-traumatic, hematogenous Clostridium perfringens septic arthritis.
Implications:
- The findings expand the understanding of Clostridium perfringens septic arthritis etiology.
- Successful management strategies include surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic therapy, even in complex cases.
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