Paraneoplastic Clostridium septicum infection of a total knee arthroplasty.

Burnell, Colin D C; Turgeon, Thomas R; Hedden, David R; Bohm, Eric R · J Arthroplasty · 2011

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

We describe a case of a well-functioning total knee arthroplasty acutely infected with Clostridium septicum. This is the first reported infection of a prosthetic joint with this organism. A search for the source of this infection uncovered a colonic malignancy. This organism is highly associated with gastrointestinal malignancy, and appropriate investigation should be carried out when it is discovered. The importance of full anaerobic bacterial identification by the microbiology laboratory is underscored by this case.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy