Related Experiment Videos
Mycobacterium chelonae infection following a total knee arthroplasty
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of Colorado Health Sciences, Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Abstract:
Infection following total knee arthroplasty is a major cause of implant failure, with an incidence of infections between 1 and 12%. Although there have been no previously reported cases of infection with Mycobacterium chelonae following total knee arthroplasty, this mycobacterium appears to be a potential pathogen in arthroplasty. When infection following total knee arthroplasty is evident but standard cultures come back negative, atypical mycobacterium infection should be considered. Mycobacterium chelonae does not grow in the normally allotted culture time, so false negative results are common. Once identified, M. chelonae is difficult to treat because of its resistance to standard drug therapies. Details of the first reported successful diagnosis and treatment of an infection with M. chelonae following a total knee arthroplasty are reported.
Insights
A rare Mycobacterium chelonae infection following total knee arthroplasty can occur, even with negative standard cultures. Early consideration of atypical mycobacteria is crucial for successful diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infection is a significant complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), leading to implant failure in 1-12% of cases.
- Atypical mycobacterial infections are uncommon but emerging pathogens in orthopedic settings.
Observation:
- This report details the first known case of Mycobacterium chelonae infection after TKA.
- Standard microbiological cultures may yield false-negative results for M. chelonae due to its slow growth.
- M. chelonae presents a diagnostic challenge in TKA infections when initial cultures are negative.
Findings:
- Mycobacterium chelonae was successfully identified as the causative agent in a TKA infection.
- The study outlines the successful treatment protocol for this challenging M. chelonae infection.
- This case highlights the importance of considering atypical mycobacteria in persistent TKA infections.
Implications:
- Atypical mycobacterial infections, specifically M. chelonae, should be considered in TKA infections with negative standard cultures.
- Diagnostic protocols for TKA infections may need to be adapted to include extended culture times for mycobacteria.
- Successful treatment strategies for M. chelonae in TKA are critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing implant failure.