Hemophilus influenzae infection of a total hip arthroplasty

Hemophilus influenzae is an uncommon, seldom considered pathogen of septic arthritis in adults. H. influenzae seems not to have been reported in association with a total joint infection. The majority of previously reported H. influenzae cases have been associated with joint trauma or preexisting joint disease. A 63-year-old woman with a late hematogenous infection due to H. influenzae of a total hip arthroplasty was treated by surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotics. In a short-term follow-up evaluation of one year, this treatment was successful in allowing retention of the prosthesis and return to satisfactory function.