A Misdiagnosed Complication of a Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty. (15th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Djebara, Az-Eddine; Joseph, Cédric; Rousseau, Florence; Brunschweiler, Benoit; Mertl, Patrice
• Other Names: Di Cesare Paul E. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in orthopedics. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03-15
• Subjects: Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/6413814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6749

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction . The enterobacterial genus Yersinia includes a number of human pathogens. Large-diameter, metal-on-metal prostheses are no longer used because of their high failure rate. Here, we describe the first case of Yersinia enterocolitica infection of a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. Clinical Examination . A metal-on-metal prosthesis failed ten years after implantation. After surgical revision, bacteriological testing revealed the presence of a pathogenic strain of Yersinia enterocolitica . Combination antibiotic therapy resulted in a favorable clinical outcome. Discussion . Three cases of hip arthroplasty infected with Yersinia enterocolitica have been described in the literature. The present case is the first infection of a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. We suggest that the risk of infection is increased by the release of metal wear particles and their influence on the surrounding tissue. Conclusion . When a large-diameter, metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty fails, the known complications associated with this type of prosthesis should not deter the physician from screening for an infectious process that requires specific treatment.