Case Report of a Diagnosed Septic Hip Joint Treated with a 2-Stage Hip Arthroplasty

Identifying and determining appropriate treatment of adult hip septic arthritis (SA) can be quite challenging. Although rare, the annual incidence of this diagnosis is approximately 8 cases per 100,000 patients. The timing of patient symptoms is wide spread. The presentation may be acute, subacute, or even chronic, and moreover, the disease process may be masked by an underlying etiology. Once diagnosed, SA requires rapid and aggressive treatment.

A 67-year-old patient presented with left hip pain. Physical examination shifted the differential diagnosis from osteoarthritis to a possible septic joint. Elevated inflammatory markers were revealed. Joint aspiration was obtained, which demonstrated rare Group G streptococcus. Two-stage hip arthroplasty was performed. Intra-operative cultures still reveal no growth of bacteria, and the patient is progressing well.

Adult septic hip arthritis is a rare diagnosis. Hence, a proper history, physical examination, infectious laboratory workup is important. The treatment of the condition is based on the duration of symptoms and the physician's clinical gestalt.