Improvise, Adapt & Overcome: Successful Surgery-Sparing Prosthetic Hip Infection Antibiotic Suppression During COVID-19 Crisis

R I Med J (2013). 2023 Mar 1;106(2):13-16.

Abstract

Case: A 79-year-old active male presented during the first COVID-19 pandemic surgery moratorium with late Staphylococcus lugdunensis periprosthetic total hip arthroplasty infection. Due to the unprecedented circumstances, novel treatment of IV and oral antibiotic suppression was trialed without preceding surgical intervention. At latest follow-up, the patient has two-year revision-free survival with normalization of inflammatory markers and MRI findings, and resolution of clinical symptoms.

Conclusion: We report a novel surgery-sparing treatment for periprosthetic hip infection. Judicious caution should be used in the application of similar therapies, as host and organism characteristics likely contributed substantially to the success of this case.

Keywords: Staphylococcus lugdunensis; hip arthroplasty; periprosthetic infection.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pandemics
  • Staphylococcal Infections* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents