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Brucellar prosthetic arthritis in a total knee replacement
Abstract:
The infecting pathogens most commonly implicated in prosthetic joint infections are staphylococci, streptococci, and gram-negative rods. Prosthetic infections caused by Brucella spp. are rarely described in the literature. Treatment of prosthetic infections remains complex and controversial, the most accepted course being antibiotic treatment with removal or retention of prosthetic components. The case of a 60-year-old man who developed Brucella septic arthritis of the right knee in a total knee replacement is reported. Conservative treatment using a three-drug therapy was employed, with excellent results.
Insights
Brucella septic arthritis is a rare complication of prosthetic joint infections. Conservative three-drug antibiotic therapy successfully treated a total knee replacement infection in a 60-year-old man.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are typically caused by staphylococci, streptococci, and gram-negative rods.
- Brucella spp. are an uncommon cause of PJIs, with few cases reported in medical literature.
- Standard treatment for PJIs involves antibiotics and surgical management, often including component removal or retention.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male patient presented with septic arthritis in his right knee total knee replacement.
- The infection was diagnosed as Brucella septic arthritis, a rare presentation in prosthetic joints.
- The patient had a history of total knee replacement surgery.
Findings:
- Conservative management with a three-drug antibiotic regimen was implemented for the Brucella PJI.
- The patient experienced excellent clinical outcomes following the conservative treatment approach.
- No surgical intervention for component removal or retention was required.
Implications:
- This case highlights the possibility of Brucella spp. causing prosthetic joint infections.
- Conservative antibiotic therapy can be a viable and effective treatment for rare PJIs like Brucellosis.
- Further research may explore optimal antibiotic strategies for Brucella prosthetic joint infections.
