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Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Simultaneous occurrence of knee septic arthritis and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A case report
Mandana Khodashahi1, Rozita Khodashahi2, Zeinab Saremi3
1Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Insights
This case highlights a rare instance of Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis in a COVID-19 patient. Early recognition of joint complications in COVID-19 is crucial for prompt and effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a significant global health challenge.
- While many COVID-19 cases are mild or asymptomatic, unusual manifestations and long-term complications require identification.
- Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection that can occur as a co-morbidity or unusual presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of septic arthritis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a patient with COVID-19.
- To emphasize the importance of considering septic arthritis in COVID-19 patients presenting with joint symptoms.
- To illustrate the diagnostic and management approach for this co-infection.
Main Methods:
- A 45-year-old male presented with progressive left knee pain and limited movement.
- COVID-19 was diagnosed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis was diagnosed through synovial fluid analysis and treated with vancomycin.
Main Results:
- The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 despite initially mild symptoms.
- Synovial fluid culture confirmed Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis, responsive to vancomycin.
- Lung CT revealed ground-glass opacities characteristic of COVID-19, leading to antiviral treatment.
- The patient showed significant improvement in both joint condition and respiratory symptoms, with full recovery within a month.
Conclusions:
- Septic arthritis should be considered in COVID-19 patients presenting with joint pain, swelling, or redness.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of co-existing infections are vital for managing COVID-19 patients.
- This case underscores the diverse clinical spectrum of COVID-19 and its potential complications.
Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is increasingly recognized as a serious, worldwide public health concern. Most of the patients with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms. It is important to identify the unusual manifestations and their long-term complication.
Case Presentation:
A case of COVID-19 in 45 years old man with septic arthritis due to Staphylococcus aureus is presented. COVID-19 was diagnosed using real-time polymerase chain reaction without obvious clinical manifestation. The patient had no history of trauma or inflammatory arthritis and had progressive left knee pain and limitation of movement. Knee X-ray was normal. Aspiration of the knee joint fluid showed a cloudy and purulent appearance. The patient was admitted to hospital and immediately treated with vancomycin 1gr/12 hr. A polymerized chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 was performed, which was positive 24 h after hospitalization. Staphylococcus aureus was reported in synovial fluid culture which was sensitive to vancomycin and ciprofloxacin, thus vancomycin was continued. On the 4th day of hospitalization the patient had cough, therefore underwent CT scan lungs and ground-glass opacities (GGO) characteristic of COVID-19 were noticed. Favipiravir and interferon were started. Patient's knee aspiration was performed for 5 consecutive days. On the 6th day of hospitalization, joint fluid markedly decreased and the patient's oxygen saturation was 96%. One week after hospitalization, the patient was discharged and a month later knee examination was completely normal.
Conclusions:
Septic arthritis should be considered in the manifestations or co-morbidity of COVID-19 patients with joint pain, swelling or redness.
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