Septic arthritis in patients aged 80 and older: a comparison with younger adults

Early Intervention in Septic Arthritis of the Hand, Optimizing Patient Outcomes in Hand Infections-A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Background and Objectives: Hand septic arthritis is a potentially debilitating condition that can significantly affect patient functionality and quality of life. Understanding the demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of this condition is crucial for its effective treatment and management. This study aimed to analyze the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with hand septic arthritis, to identify common microbial pathogens, and to evaluate the impact of various factors on clinical course and treatment outcomes. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study examined patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the hand, focusing on their demographic data, clinical presentation, causative organisms, treatment methods, and outcomes. Data on age, sex, cause of infection, affected sites, surgical interventions, microbiological findings, and patient outcomes were also collected. Results: This study found a higher prevalence of septic arthritis in males and identified bite as the predominant cause. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen. A large number of patients did not exhibit bacterial growth, and bacterial resistance did not significantly affect the outcome. Outcomes were statistically influenced by the timing of medical presentation and the presence of comorbidities. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for effective management of hand septic arthritis. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that considers patient demographic and clinical characteristics to optimize treatment outcomes. Awareness and preventive measures are essential to reduce the incidence and severity of this condition.

ACUTE DESTRUCTIVE HIP SEPTIC ARTHRITIS IN A YOUNG ADULT PATIENT: CASE REPORT (v2)

The Authors describe a case of rapid right hip destructive septic arthritis in a 50-year-old male patient with no previous noteworthy medical history. Patient arrived to our attention following a one week history of right hip pain. Laboratory markers and imaging at presentation were negative. However, on a follow-up examination significant joint effusion was noted and joint tap was performed. Despite wide spectrum antibiotic therapy institution, significant joint damage was observed. This required surgical femoral head excision with antibiotic loaded spacer, followed by hip arthroplasty surgery 12 weeks afterwards. Complete healing of the infection and recovery of pain-free joint motion was noted at 1 year follow-up.

Risk factors for septic arthritis and multiple arthroscopic washouts: minimum 2-year follow-up at a major trauma centre

Background

Septic arthritis (SA) is a dangerous condition that requires emergency treatment. Managed by culture-specific antibiotics, irrigation, and debridement (I&D), some patients require repeat surgical treatment. The objectives were to determine the risk factors for SA and risk factors for repeat arthroscopic I&D in SA patients. We hypothesized that variables which directly or indirectly contributed to a larger infection burden would be associated with the development of SA and the need for repeat arthroscopic I&D.

Methods

All patients ≥ 18 years old presenting to the emergency department, orthopaedic and rheumatology clinics at our major trauma centre between January 2018 and January 2020 with a hot, swollen joint were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with previous trauma and metalwork in the affected joint, periprosthetic joint infection, previous joint arthroplasty surgery, soft tissue infection, missing data, transferred to another centre, diagnosis not concerning the joint, and < 24-month follow-up were excluded. Two hundred eleven patients were included (SA: 28; pseudogout: 32; gout: 50; others: 101). Variables of interest in the 3-month period preceding the diagnosis of SA were compared between SA and non-SA patients using univariable analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was formed using covariates with corresponding univariable tests of p < 0.200. Similar analyses were performed to compare SA patients with multiple washouts/procedures with those with one washout/procedure.

Results

Multivariable analysis showed multiple risk factors for SA, namely rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.2–10.0; p = 0.023); skin infection (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.2–9.0; p = 0.017), liver disease (OR: 9.9; 95% CI: 2.2–43.9; p = 0.003), knee joint involvement (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3–9.4; p = 0.014), and use of immunosuppressive medication (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2–10.6; p = 0.027). Risk factors for multiple washouts included synovial WBC levels > 10.5 × 10⁹ cells/L (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 2.3–38.8; p = 0.009) and RA (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.9–66.3; p = 0.017).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that prophylactic actions against septic arthritis should be targeted at patients with liver disease, RA, or skin infection. Repeat arthroscopic I&D of septic joints may be needed, especially in patients with synovial WBC levels > 10.5 × 10⁹ cells/L and RA.

Key Points • The risk factors for septic arthritis determined in this study are rheumatoid arthritis, skin infection, liver disease, knee joint involvement, and immunosuppressant usage. • Some septic arthritis patients need multiple rounds of arthroscopic irrigation and debridement. The risk factors for this are a synovial WBC count > 10.5 × 109 cells/L and rheumatoid arthritis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10067-022-06151-w.

Native Joint Septic Arthritis: Comparison of Outcomes with Medical and Surgical Management

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there are differences in the outcomes of native joint septic arthritis (SA) in adults, based on medical versus surgical management.

METHODS

A 10-year retrospective single-center study was conducted of patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015 with a diagnosis of SA to compare outcomes based on the management approach taken: medical (bedside closed-needle joint aspiration) versus surgical (arthrotomy/arthroscopy). Evaluated outcomes included joint recovery, time to recovery, length of stay, disposition to home versus rehabilitation unit, recurrence of SA in the same joint, and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 118 confirmed cases of SA, 48 were in prosthetic joints and 70 were in native joints, and 61 met our inclusion criteria. Forty-one (67%) patients received surgery, and 20 (33%) received closed-needle aspiration. There was no statistically significant difference in long-term outcomes between the two groups at 12 months. Patients managed medically were more likely to experience full recovery at 3 months and were less likely to need short-term rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical management with closed-needle aspiration may be an adequate approach to the treatment of native joint infections.

Evaluation and Management of Septic Arthritis and its Mimics in the Emergency Department

Septic arthritis is a dangerous medical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the differential diagnosis can be broad with conditions that mimic this disease and require different evaluation and treatment. This narrative review presents the emergency medicine evaluation and management, as well as important medical conditions that may mimic this disease. Septic arthritis commonly presents with monoarticular joint pain with erythema, warmth, swelling, and pain on palpation and movement. Fever is present in many patients, though most are low grade. Blood testing and imaging may assist with the diagnosis, but the gold standard is joint aspiration. Management includes intravenous antibiotics and orthopedic surgery consult for operative management vs. serial aspirations. Clinicians should consider mimics, such as abscess, avascular necrosis, cellulitis, crystal-induced arthropathies, Lyme disease, malignancy, osteomyelitis, reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and transient synovitis. While monoarticular arthritis can be due to septic arthritis, other medical and surgical conditions present similarly and require different management. It is essential for the emergency clinician to be aware how to diagnose and treat these mimics.

Neutrophils: Beneficial and Harmful Cells in Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that is induced by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Infection of the joint triggers an acute inflammatory response directed by inflammatory mediators including microbial danger signals and cytokines and is accompanied by an influx of leukocytes. The recruitment of these inflammatory cells depends on gradients of chemoattractants including formylated peptides from the infectious agent or dying cells, host-derived leukotrienes, complement proteins and chemokines. Neutrophils are of major importance and play a dual role in the pathogenesis of septic arthritis. On the one hand, these leukocytes are indispensable in the first-line defense to kill invading pathogens in the early stage of disease. However, on the other hand, neutrophils act as mediators of tissue destruction. Since the elimination of inflammatory neutrophils from the site of inflammation is a prerequisite for resolution of the acute inflammatory response, the prolonged stay of these leukocytes at the inflammatory site can lead to irreversible damage to the infected joint, which is known as an important complication in septic arthritis patients. Thus, timely reduction of the recruitment of inflammatory neutrophils to infected joints may be an efficient therapy to reduce tissue damage in septic arthritis.

The burden of septic arthritis on the U.S. inpatient care: A national study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the health care burden of septic arthritis in the U.S. and examine the associated factors.

METHODS

We used the U.S. Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) data of patients hospitalized with septic arthritis as the primary diagnosis from 2009-12 to assess time-trends. Multivariable-adjusted models assessed demographics, comorbidity and hospital characteristics as potential predictors of duration of hospitalization, total hospital (inpatient and ED) charges and discharge to home.

RESULTS

In 2009, 2010 and 2012 in the U.S., respectively, there were 13,087, 13,662 and 13,714 hospitalizations with septic arthritis as the primary diagnosis. Respective average hospital stay was 7.4 vs. 7.4 vs. 7.2 days; total hospital charges were $601 vs. $674 vs. $759 million; and proportion discharged home were 43% vs. 43% vs. 44%. Almost 25% each were discharged to a skilled facility or with home health. Age >50 years, Medicaid and self-pay as primary payer, Northeast U.S. hospital location, teaching hospital status, heart failure and diabetes were associated with longer hospitalization; hyperlipidemia, hypertension or gout were associated with a shorter hospital stay. Similar associations were noted for higher hospital charges. Age >50 years, higher income, Medicare insurance, heart failure, diabetes and longer hospital stay were associated with lower odds, and Western U.S. hospital location and gout with higher odds, of discharge to home.

CONCLUSIONS

We noted an increase in hospital charges from 2009-12, but no time trends in duration or outcomes of hospitalization for septic arthritis. Comorbidity associations with outcomes indicate the potential for developing interventions to improve outcomes.

Septic arthritis significantly increased the long-term mortality in geriatric patients

Background

The elderly are predisposed to septic arthritis (SA) because of the aging nature and increasing comorbidities. SA may in turn increase the long-term mortality in the geriatric patients; however, it remains unclear. We conducted this prospective nationwide population-based cohort study to clarify this issue.

Methods

Using Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), we identified 1667 geriatric participants (≥ 65 years) with SA and 16,670 geriatric participants without SA matched at a ratio of 1:10 by age, sex, and index date between 1999 and 2010. A comparison of the long-term mortality between the two cohorts through follow-up until 2011 was performed.

Results

Geriatric participants with SA had a significantly increased mortality than those without SA [Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–1.66], particularly the old elderly (≥ 85 years, AHR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.58–2.84) and males (AHR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.33–1.79). These results were stated after adjustment for osteoarthritis, diabetes, gout, renal disease, liver disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, alcoholism, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. The increased mortality risk was highest in the first month (AHR: 3.93, 95% CI: 2.94–5.25) and remained increased even after following up for 2–4 years (AHR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03–1.65). After Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, SA (AHR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20–1.56), older age (≥ 85 years, AHR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.59–2.02, 75–84 years, AHR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.53–1.78), male sex, diabetes, renal disease, liver disease, cancer, and gout were independent mortality predictors. There was no significant difference in the mortality for SA between upper limb affected and lower limb affected.

Conclusions

This study delineated that SA significantly increased the long-term mortality in geriatric participants. For the increasing aging population worldwide, strategies for the prevention and treatment of SA and concomitant control of comorbidities are very important.

Clinical features and outcome of bone and joint infections with streptococcal involvement: 5-year experience of interregional reference centres in the south of France

Streptococcal bone and joint infections are less common than staphylococcal cases. Few studies have reported the cases with well-identified Streptococcus species. Their clinical features and prognosis are not clearly known to date. Moreover, no treatment regimen has yet been clarified. We reviewed the streptococcal bone and joint infection cases managed in our centres from January 2009 to December 2013. We described the epidemiology, clinical and microbiologic characteristics, treatment approach and outcome. Among the 93 cases, 83% of patients were men with a median age of 60 years, and 90% of patients had comorbidities or risk factors. Bacteraemia occurred in 14% of cases. Serious complications occurred in six patients, including severe sepsis (two cases) and infective endocarditis (two cases). Orthopaedic device infections were observed in 35% of cases, including 17 patients with internal osteosynthesis device infection, 14 with prosthetic joint infection and three with vertebral osteosynthesis device infection. The median time between orthopaedic device implantation and onset of infection was 447 days. Fourteen species of Streptococcus were identified, including 97 isolates using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and three isolates using molecular identification. The five most represented species included S. agalactiae (37%), S. dysgalactiae (12%), S. anginosus (11%), S. constellatus (10%) and S. pneumoniae (9%). Streptococci isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin, with the exception of one S. mitis isolate. Remission 1 year after the end of treatment was recorded in 83%. One patient died of infection; eight patients had infections that failed to respond to treatment; and seven patients experienced relapse. Twenty patients (22%) had an unfavourable functional outcome, including 19 amputations and one arthrodesis. Five significant prognostic factors associated with an unfavourable clinical outcome were identified, including peripheral neuropathy (p 0.009), peripheral arterial disease (p 0.019), diabetes mellitus (p 0.031), location in the femur (p 0.0036), location in the foot (p 0.0475), osteitis without an orthopaedic device (p 0.041) and infection caused by S. dysgalactiae (p 0.020). The rate of poor outcomes remains high despite the low number of Streptococcus isolates resistant to antibiotics. Some prognostic factors, such as the presence of S. dysgalactiae, are associated with an unfavourable clinical outcome. Antibiotic regimens of streptococcal bone and joint infections are not standardized and need to be further investigated.

MALDI-TOF MS performance compared to direct examination, culture, and 16S rDNA PCR for the rapid diagnosis of bone and joint infections

The rapid identification of bacterial species involved in bone and joint infections (BJI) is an important element to optimize the diagnosis and care of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the rapid diagnosis of bone infections, directly on synovial fluid (SF) or on crushed osteoarticular samples (CS). From January to October 2013, we prospectively analyzed 111 osteoarticular samples (bone and joint samples, BJS) from 78 patients in care at the University Hospital of Rennes, France. The diagnosis procedure leading to the sample collection was linked to a suspicion of infection, inflammatory disease, arthritis, or for any bone or joint abnormalities. Standard bacteriological diagnosis and molecular biology analysis [16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing] were conducted. In addition, analysis by MALDI-TOF MS was performed directly on the osteoarticular samples, as soon as the amount allowed. Culture, which remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of BJI, has the highest sensitivity (85.9 %) and remains necessary to test antimicrobial susceptibility. The 16S rDNA PCR results were positive in the group with positive BJI (28.6 %) and negative in the group without infection. Direct examination remains insensitive (31.7 %) but more effective than MALDI-TOF MS directly on the sample (6.3 %). The specificity was 100 % in all cases, except for culture (74.5 %). Bacterial culture remains the gold standard, especially enrichment in blood bottles. Direct analysis of bone samples with MALDI-TOF MS is not useful, possibly due to the low inoculum of BJS.

Sternoclavicular septic arthritis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a patient with a suprapubic catheter

We report a case of a 74-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with a 1-week history of fever. He had a meatal stenosis and had a suprapubic catheter for 10 months, and had a recent hospitalisation for urosepsis with bacteraemia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus after manipulation of the catheter. Clinical examinations were performed in the emergency department and the patient was hospitalised with the diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection. The following day, we noticed the development of a mass in the left sternoclavicular joint with inflammatory signs and excruciating pain. Ultrasonographic findings led to the diagnosis of left sternoclavicular synovitis, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus grew in blood cultures leading to the diagnosis of sternoclavicular septic arthritis. Treatment with vancomycin and gentamicin was started and maintained for 4 weeks with complete resolution of symptoms and no complications or sequelae.

A retrospective study of septic arthritis in a tertiary hospital in West Texas with high rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection

Septic arthritis is an important concern for rheumatologists in the evaluation of joint disease. Very few studies have addressed the microbiologic epidemiology and outcomes of septic arthritis in the USA since the year 2000. We performed a retrospective study of septic arthritis in a tertiary hospital in West Texas from the year 2000 to 2013. We recorded data on patient demographics, microbiologic etiology, treatment patterns, and outcomes. The most common causative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused septic arthritis in 22.6 % of the cases. MRSA septic arthritis was associated with low rates of adequate empiric antimicrobial therapy. The mortality due to sepsis in our study was 5.5 %. Patients with septic arthritis had a mean length of stay of 13.5 ± 12.1 days and required 2.1 ± 1.4 joint operations. Many patients (29.2 %) had readmissions due to complications, and these patients had high rates of home health utilization and transfers to other facilities post hospital discharge. In our logistic regression analysis model, factors associated with poor outcomes in septic arthritis were MRSA, older age, and prosthetic joint infection. Septic arthritis is associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and health care costs, and more studies are needed to improve outcomes, especially considering the increasing rates of MRSA as the pathogen.

Predictors of treatment failure and mortality in native septic arthritis

The aims of this study are to analyse the characteristics of septic arthritis stratified by age and to identify the predictors of treatment failure and mortality in septic arthritis. A retrospective single-centre study was conducted in patients with native septic arthritis between 1994 and 2012. The primary outcome was treatment failure. Secondary outcomes included mortality, complications, endocarditis, bacteraemia, hospital readmission and the duration of the hospital stay. Logistic regression analyses with a propensity score were performed to identify the predictors of response and mortality. Additional analyses were performed according to age and the initial treatment (surgery or conservative). A total of 186 patients were studied. The median (interquartile range) age was 64 (46, 74) years, and the percentage of male patients was 68.9%. A logistic regression analysis showed that Staphylococcus aureus infection [OR 2.39 (1.20-4.77), p = 0.013], endocarditis [OR 4.74 (1.16-19.24), p = 0.029] and the involvement of joints difficult to access with needle drainage [OR 2.33 (1.06-5.11), p = 0.034] predict treatment failure and that age [OR 1.27 (1.07 = 1.50), p = 0.005], the leucocyte count at baseline [OR 1.01 (1.00-1.02), p = 0.023], bacteraemia [OR 27.66 (1.39-551.20), p = 0.030], diabetes mellitus [OR 15.33 (1.36-172.67), p = 0.027] and chronic renal failure [OR 81.27 (3.32-1990.20), p = 0.007] predict mortality. No significant differences in treatment failure by age were found. In septic arthritis, the predictors of mortality and the predictors of treatment failure differ. The predictors of treatment failure concern local factors and systemic complications, whereas conditions related to the host's immune competence, such as age and comorbidities that hamper the host's response, predict mortality.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of septic arthritis of the hip, 2006 to 2012, a seven-year review

OBJECTIVE

To epidemiologically characterize the population treated at our orthopedic clinic with a diagnosis of septic arthritic of the hip between 2006 and 2012.

METHODS

Fifteen patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the hip between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics were surveyed; a sensitivity profile relating to the microorganisms that caused the infections and the complications relating to the patients' treatment and evolution were identified.

RESULTS

Septic arthritis was more common among males. Most diagnoses were made through positive synovial fluid cultures, after joint drainage was performed using the Smith-Petersen route. Among the comorbidities found, the most prevalent were systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and human immunodeficiency virus. The pathological joint conditions diagnosed prior to joint infection were osteoarthrosis and developmental dysplasia of the hip. The infectious agent most frequently isolated was Staphylococcus aureus. From the clinical and laboratory data investigated, 53.33% of the cases presented with fever, and all except one patient presented with increased measures in inflammation tests. Gram staining was positive in only 26.66% of the synovial fluid samples analyzed. Six patients presented with joint complications after treatment was administered.

CONCLUSION

S. aureus is the most common pathogen in acute infections of the hip in our setting. Factors such as clinical comorbidities are associated with septic arthritis of the hip. Because of the relatively small number of patients, given that this is a condition of low prevalence, there was no statistically significant correlation in relation to worse prognosis for the disease.

Epidemiology of septic arthritis of the knee at Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo

Background

Septic arthritis is an infrequent disease although very important due to the possibility of disastrous outcomes if treatment is not adequately established. Adequate information concerning the epidemiology of septic arthritis is still lacking due to the uncommon nature of the disease as well as the struggle to establish a correct case-definition.

Objective

To epidemiologically characterize the population seen at Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo with a diagnosis of septic arthritis between 2006 and 2011.

Methods

Sixty-one patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the knee between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients’ clinical and epidemiological characteristics, the microorganisms that caused the infection and the patients’ treatment and evolution were analyzed.

Results

Septic arthritis of the knee was more common among men, with distribution across a variety of age ranges. Most diagnoses were made through positive synovial fluid cultures. The most prevalent clinical comorbidities were systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and the most commonly reported joint disease was osteoarthritis. Staphylococcus aureus was the prevailing pathogen. Fever was present in 36% of the cases. All patients presented elevation in inflammatory tests. Gram staining was positive in only 50.8% of the synovial fluid samples analyzed. Six patients presented complications and unfavorable evolution of their condition.

Conclusion

S. aureus is still the most common pathogen in acute knee infections in our environment. Gram staining, absence of fever and normal leukocyte count cannot be used to rule out septic arthritis.

A preformed antibiotic-loaded spacer for treatment for septic arthritis of the shoulder

BACKGROUND

Total shoulder arthroplasty infections are rare, depending on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, the local blood supply, the axial load gradient and the proximal location of the shoulder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment for infections in total shoulder arthroplasty and septic arthritis using a preformed antibiotic-loaded spacer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven shoulders in as many patients were treated for infected arthroplasty or septic arthritis without previous surgery. A preformed antibiotic-loaded spacer was always applied. Patients were evaluated at the final follow-up with the Constant Score (CS), the Secec Elbow Score (SES), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Society Score (ASESS).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 40, 71 months after spacer implant. Infection was always confirmed preoperatively by the leukocyte and neutrophil counts in the aspirated synovial fluid, and intra-operative biopsy and pathologic analysis. Positive bacterial cultures were found in 5 cases: 3 MRSA and 2 Staphylococcus epidermidis. The mean SES increased from 34.43 before spacer implant to 77.29 at final follow-up, ASESS ranged from 14.86 to 21.14, and CS from 40.28 to 79.14.

CONCLUSION

A preformed antibiotic-loaded spacer is intended to release gentamicin alone, but we can consider adding vancomycin to increase antibiotic spectrum. An early diagnosis and an immediate treatment can prevent a persistent infection and severe soft-tissue damage. The use of a preformed antibiotic spacer allows maintaining joint function at the intermediate stage in two-stage treatment.

Musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common problems affecting the elderly. The resulting loss of mobility and physical independence can be particularly devastating in this population. The aim of this article is to present some of the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders of the elderly, such as fractures, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, microcrystal disorders, infections, and tumors.

[Septic arthritis complicating neuropathic shoulder due to cervical syringomyelia]

One of the main causes of neuropathic osteoarthropathy of the shoulder is cervical syringomyelia. Chronic pain and swelling of the shoulder are the most frequent manifestations, but it occasionally can develop rapid osteoarticular destructive lesions (in less than six weeks), which raise the diagnostic possibility of septic arthritis and some tumours We present the report of two men with septic arthritis of the shoulder associated with neuropathic arthropathy secondary to syringomyelia. Both patients presented with sudden shoulder pain exacerbated by either passive or active joint movements, malaise and fever. The first patient, a 39-year-old man, suffered left shoulder arthritis due to Staphylococcus aureus. The second patient, a 59-year-old man presented with right shoulder arthritis caused by to Staphylococcus epidermidis. The last microorganism also was isolated in three blood cultures. Infection should certainly be considered as a possible complication of the natural history of the neuropathic shoulder.

[Polyarticular septic arthritis: analysis of 19 cases]

OBJECTIVE

Polyarticular septic arthritis accounts for 15% of all septic arthritis, but there are few references in the literature. We describe characteristics of patients with polyarticular septic arthritis in a rheumatology service.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Retrospective analysis of patients with septic arthritis involving more than one joint. Only patients with positive culture of synovial fluid were included. Clinical, analytical and radiological variables are reviewed.

RESULTS

19 patients (14 male) had a polyarticular infection. Mean age was 55 years. Mean time from onset to diagnosis was 6 days. The knee was the most commonly involved joint, followed by ankle. The mean number of joints involved per patient was 3. Risk factors included diabetes, chronic renal or hepatic disease, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Most commonly isolated agents were S. aureus (47%) and S. agalactiae (21%). Blood cultures were positive in 52,6% and 15.8% had septic shock. Scintygraphic bone scan showed a polyarticular uptake. Mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 46±27 days. Clinical outcome was good in 52,6%, complicated in 26%, and mortality rate was 15.8% (3 cases). Joint debridement was performed in 21%.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple joint involvement does not exclude the diagnosis of septic arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is an important risk factor. S. aureus in the main infectious agent. The morbidity and mortality of this condition are important, so we need to maintain a high index of suspicion for the condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the major risk factor for septic arthritis in rheumatological settings

Septic arthritis (SA) is a clinical emergency with considerable morbidity and mortality that can lead to rapid joint destruction and irreversible functional loss. The reported incidence varies from 2-5 cases/100,000 person-years in the general population to 70 cases/100,000 person-years among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are at particular risk for developing SA. This may be due to several reasons: joint disease predisposes to bacterial joint colonization and RA itself and its treatment with corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological therapies may decrease the immune function required for protection from pathogens. Steroids and DMARDs seem to affect the leukocyte synovial count; indeed, RA patients with SA have a leukocyte count in synovial fluid (SF) lower than patients with SA without underlying rheumatic diseases. The diagnosis of SA in RA patients can be difficult because the development of a hot painful joint is often confused with a relapse of the underlying joint disease leading to delay in diagnosis. For this reason the microscopic analysis and culture of synovial fluid are crucial to exclude septic arthritis.

Treatment of primary isolated shoulder sepsis in the adult patient

Isolated shoulder sepsis is an uncommon clinical problem with little information in the literature on causative organisms and potential sequelae. We examined the organisms involved, surgical treatments, antibiotic treatments rendered, and complications in these cases. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 19 adult patients (19 shoulders) who underwent operative treatment of isolated shoulder sepsis from 1996 to 2005. Patient age, gender, laboratory studies, previous treatment, surgical procedures, surgical findings, cultured organism, antibiotic treatment, and complications were reviewed. The organisms included methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (five), Streptococcus B beta hemolytic (five), Staphylococcus epidermidis (three), negative cultures (two), Streptococcus viridans (one), Escherichia coli (one), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (one), and Propionibacterium acnes (one). We treated patients with intravenous antibiotics an average of 4.2 weeks (range, 3-8 weeks). One patient underwent humeral head resection with an antibiotic spacer. Another patient died during hospitalization. Open or arthroscopic débridement in conjunction with appropriate antibiotics appears effective in eradicating infection in most adults who present with shoulder sepsis. Functional outcome is poor in those patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears and/or cartilage loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Polymicrobial prosthetic joint infections: risk factors and outcome

Limited data are available regarding the risk factors and outcome of polymicrobial prosthetic joint infection (PJIs) when compared with monomicrobial PJI. Between January 1998 and November 2006, we retrospectively identified 34 of 174 prosthetic joint infections (19%) were polymicrobial. The 2-year cumulative probability of success of treating polymicrobial and monomicrobial PJIs was 63.8% and 72.8%, respectively. Twenty-six percent, 38%, and 29% of PJIs were treated with two-stage exchange, débridement and retention, or resection arthroplasty, respectively, and the 2-year survival rate free of treatment failure in each group was 77.7% (95% confidence interval, 42.8%-94.2%), 52.7% (95% confidence interval, 28.4%-75.9%), and 64.2% (95% confidence interval, 28.7%-88.9%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (26.4% versus 7.1%) and anaerobes (11.7% versus 2.8%) were more common in polymicrobial PJIs. Polymicrobial PJIs occurred in patients with a soft tissue defect/dehiscence (23.5% versus 2.8%), drainage (79.4% versus 39.2%), or prior local irradiation (8.8% versus 0.71%). We found the following factors associated with polymicrobial prosthetic joint infections: the presence of a soft tissue defect/wound dehiscence (odds ratio, 5.9), drainage (odds ratio, 5.0), and age 65 years or older (odds ratio, 2.8).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Septic arthritis in Iceland 1990-2002: increasing incidence due to iatrogenic infections

Objectives:

To assess the impact of increased number of diagnostic and therapeutic joint procedures on the incidence and type of septic arthritis (SA).

Methods:

All cases of SA in Iceland from 1990–2002 were identified by thorough review of the available medical information. The results of synovial fluid cultures from every microbiology department in Iceland were checked and positive culture results reviewed, as well as patient charts with a discharge diagnosis of septic arthritis (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) code M009).

Results:

A total of 253 cases of SA (69 children and 184 adults) were diagnosed in Iceland in 1990–2002, giving an average incidence of 7.1 cases/100 000 inhabitants. The incidence of SA increased from 4.2 cases/100 000 in 1990 to 11.0 cases/100 000 in 2002. This rise in SA was primarily observed in adults where the incidence rose by 0.61 cases/100 000 per year (p<0.001). SA was iatrogenic in 41.8% of adults and the number of iatrogenic infections increased from 2.8 cases/year in 1990–1994 to 9.0 cases/year in 1998–2002 (p<0.01). The annual number of arthroscopies increased from 430 in 1990–1994 to 2303 in 1998–2002 (p<0.001) and there was a correlation between the total usage of intra-articular drugs in Iceland and the incidence of SA (p<0.01). The frequency of post-arthroscopy SA was 0.14% and post-arthrocentesis SA 0.037%.

Conclusions:

The incidence of SA has increased in recent years due to an increased number of arthroscopies and joint injections. Although the frequency of SA per procedure has not changed, these results emphasise the importance of sterile technique and firm indications for joint procedures.