Brucella infection in total knee arthroplasty. Case report and revision of the literature

Chir Organi Mov. 2008 May;92(1):55-9. doi: 10.1007/s12306-008-0031-x. Epub 2008 Mar 27.

Abstract

Brucella infection in arthroplasties is a rare event. An unspecific clinical symptomatology is associated with unclear radiographic peri-prosthetic signs of bone halisteresis. Only a positive anamnesis, combined with an antibiogram of the joint liquid and a high serum antibody titre, can lead to a definitive diagnosis. We report a case of Brucella melitensis infection in a total knee arthroplasty implanted 2 years earlier. With the absence of radiological signs of prosthetic loosening and thanks to a systemic antibiotic combined therapy (rifampicin + doxycycline) extended for 8 weeks, we were able to solve the infection avoiding surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brucellosis* / diagnosis
  • Brucellosis* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Knee Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections* / diagnosis
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections* / drug therapy