Mycobacterium chelonae infection following silicone arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joints: a case report

Hand (N Y). 2009 Jun;4(2):129-33. doi: 10.1007/s11552-008-9138-7. Epub 2008 Oct 9.

Abstract

We present a case of infection caused by an uncommon pathogen, Mycobacterium chelonae, in a patient that underwent Swanson silicone arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joints for rheumatoid arthritis. This is the first report of an infection caused by nontuberculous Mycobacteria in flexible silicone implants in the hand. The patient was successfully treated with implant removal, debridement, and antimicrobials tailored to the results of in vitro susceptibility testing.