Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
11:22
Treatment of Osteochondral Defects in the Rabbit's Knee Joint by Implantation of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Fibrin Clots
Published on: May 21, 2013
17.4K
Cryptococcal Osteomyelitis of the Patella: A Case Report.
Jacob Harper1, Paul J Weatherby2, Mark A Foreman2
1John Sealy School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
JBJS Case Connector
|August 29, 2024
Summary
A disseminated cryptococcal infection in a patient with undiagnosed HIV/AIDS presented as knee pain. Treatment involved antifungals and antiretroviral therapy, ultimately leading to infection clearance but requiring lifelong management.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Cryptococcal infections can manifest in various ways, including osteomyelitis.
- Undiagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a significant risk factor for disseminated fungal infections.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old woman presented with right knee pain and ambulatory difficulty.
- Initial investigations identified a cryptococcal infection of the patella.
- Further workup revealed concurrent undiagnosed HIV/AIDS and disseminated cryptococcosis.
Findings:
- The patient received fluconazole and antiretroviral therapy over 20 months.
- Limited medication compliance complicated the treatment course.
- Disseminated infection led to cutaneous, hepatic, and cerebral complications.
- Improved compliance and antifungal bone matrix application preceded infection clearance.
Implications:
- Disseminated cryptococcosis in HIV/AIDS patients requires aggressive and prolonged treatment.
- Patient compliance is critical for successful management of opportunistic infections.
- Long-term antifungal therapy may be necessary for complete resolution and prevention of recurrence.
