Infected hip prosthesis in patient with suspected Covid-19 infection

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are significant complications following arthroplasty.
• The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented healthcare challenges globally.
• Managing surgical site infections requires adherence to established protocols.

Observation:

• A patient presented with hip pain and signs of cup detachment 4.5 years post-arthroplasty.
• E. coli was identified as the causative agent of the periprosthetic hip infection.
• The patient underwent prosthesis removal, spacer implantation, and antibiotic therapy.

Findings:

• The patient developed respiratory symptoms and ground-glass opacifications post-final surgery, mimicking COVID-19.
• Despite negative SARS-CoV-2 swabs, the patient was managed in a COVID-19 observation ward.
• Successful treatment of the periprosthetic hip infection was achieved following established guidelines.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of maintaining standard periprosthetic hip infection treatment protocols during global health crises.
• Effective management of PJIs is achievable even amidst the pressures of a pandemic.
• Adherence to guidelines ensures optimal patient outcomes in complex surgical scenarios.