Clostridium cadaveris septic arthritis after total hip arthroplasty in a metastatic breast cancer patient.

Abstract

We report the first known case of septic arthritis in the setting of total hip arthroplasty caused by Clostridium cadaveris, a gas-forming anaerobic enteric organism usually considered a non-pathogen. This case occurred in a patient treated with total hip arthroplasty for metastatic breast cancer involving the acetabulum. The patient was managed successfully with debridement, prosthetic retention, and chronic antibiotic suppression. We propose this mode of care as a successful alternative for some patients with prosthetic joint infection and prohibitive comorbid conditions.