Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
Published on: February 2, 2024
Candida albicans Prosthetic Joint Infection After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Rare Case Report
Mohammad Mahdi Sarzaeem1, Amin Norouz Beigi1, Reza Tavakoli Darestani1
1Department of Orthopedic, School of Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
In this article, a 75-year-old patient with pain in left knee and restricted range of motion following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is presented. Serological evaluation and aspiration of knee joint suggested a fungal prosthetic joint infection. After the diagnosis was confirmed, treatment started with antifungal drugs, removing prosthesis, exhaustive debridement, and revision of TKA after efficient antifungal treatment. At one-year follow-up, she has a painless motion range of 10 to 90 degrees, and there was no recurrence of infection observed.
Insights
A fungal infection after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was successfully treated with antifungal drugs, prosthesis removal, debridement, and revision TKA. The patient achieved painless knee motion and no infection recurrence at one year.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for end-stage knee osteoarthritis.
- Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a serious complication following TKA, leading to significant morbidity.
- Fungal PJIs are rare but challenging to diagnose and treat, often requiring multi-stage surgical interventions.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old patient presented with persistent left knee pain and limited range of motion post-TKA.
- Clinical and laboratory findings, including serological tests and synovial fluid analysis, indicated a fungal prosthetic joint infection.
- The patient underwent a comprehensive treatment protocol.
Findings:
- The treatment involved a multi-step approach: antifungal medication, surgical removal of the infected prosthesis, thorough debridement of infected tissue, and subsequent TKA revision.
- Post-treatment, the patient experienced significant improvement, with a painless range of motion from 10 to 90 degrees.
- No evidence of recurrent fungal infection was observed during the one-year follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of TKA complications.
- Successful management of fungal PJI requires a multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists and orthopedic surgeons.
- The presented treatment strategy demonstrates a viable option for managing complex fungal prosthetic joint infections, restoring function and preventing recurrence.
