Propionibacterium acnes infections in shoulder surgery

John G Horneff; Jason E Hsu; G Russell Huffman

doi:10.1016/j.ocl.2014.06.004

Propionibacterium acnes infections in shoulder surgery

Orthop Clin North Am. 2014 Oct;45(4):515-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2014.06.004. Epub 2014 Jul 11.

Authors

John G Horneff¹, Jason E Hsu¹, G Russell Huffman²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, 2 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
² Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, 2 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: Russell.huffman@uphs.upenn.edu.

PMID: 25199422
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2014.06.004

Abstract

Perioperative shoulder infections involving Propionibacterium acnes can be difficult to identify in a patient who presents with little more than pain and stiffness in the postoperative period. Although indolent in its growth and presentation, infection of the shoulder with P acnes can have devastating effects, including failure of the surgical intervention. This article reviews the importance of a comprehensive physical, radiologic, and laboratory evaluation, and discusses appropriate preventive and treatment strategies for P acnes infections of the shoulder.

Keywords: Infection; Propionibacterium acnes; Revision surgery; Shoulder joint.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / therapy*
Humans
Joint Diseases / diagnosis
Joint Diseases / therapy*
Propionibacterium acnes*
Shoulder / surgery*
Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis
Surgical Wound Infection / therapy*