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Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the use of an intra-articular delivery of a dextran polymer (IADP) for bacterial infective arthritis in dogs. Materials and Methods Cases of bacterial infective arthritis treated with IADP were reviewed. Resolution of infection was based on joint fluid cytology. Lameness scores, total nucleated cell counts, and per cent neutrophils were monitored throughout treatment. Results There were 14 dogs included in the study. The stifle was the most commonly affected joint. The median number of injections per dog was 3 with a median of 2 weeks between injections. Amikacin was combined with the dextran polymer in 13 cases and imipenem was used in 1 case. Concurrent oral antimicrobials were used in 12/14 cases, and surgery for infection was performed in 10/14 cases. Cytological evidence of infection resolved in 11/14 cases. Median lameness scores throughout treatment decreased from severe (grade ¾) at initial presentation to mild (grade ¼) at the final recheck. Median total nucleated cell counts and per cent neutrophils decreased from 40,000 white blood cell/µL and 91% to 2,200 white blood cell/µL and 4% respectively. A transient worsening of lameness was the main side effect documented in 5/14 cases. Conclusion Intra-articular dextran polymer combined with antimicrobials was generally well tolerated; however, the efficacy of IADP was unknown in this population since most dogs received concurrent oral antimicrobials and/or surgery.

Introduction: Joint disease is a common orthopaedic problem. They often occur in younger people and tend to be destructive. This can lead to widespread disability and morbidity. Diagnosis is clinical aided with conventional radiological and laboratory investigations. They are sometime equivocal and treatment is empirical and symptomatic. The evaluation of synovial fluid and synovial biopsy should be an important part of investigative procedure in patients presenting with joint effusion. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with joint diseases visiting orthopaedic OPD and admitted at orthopaedic wards of BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore formed the material of present study. Patients were informed about study in all respects and informed written consent was obtained. The period of study was from August 2013 to September 2016. Detailed clinical and radiological screenings were done. This was followed by synovial fluid analysis and closed needle biopsy in each case. The result of this study was then compared with that of previous studies. Results and analysis: A complete correlation between clinico-radiological, synovial fluid findings and closed needle biopsy for diagnosis of the definite pathology was seen in 34 (68%) cases. In 8 cases (16%) where the clinico-radiological and synovial analyses were equivocal and inconclusive, synovial biopsy only gave conclusive diagnosis of definite pathology. In another 8 cases (16%) the clinical radiological, synovial fluid findings and even the histologic study by closed needle biopsy were inconclusive for any definite disease and were labeled as chronic nonspecific synovitis. These cases were proved chronic nonspecific synovitis also by open biopsy. Conclusion: Synovial fluid analysis and synovial biopsy will help in coming to a conclusive diagnosis in cases where radiological and laboratory investigations are equivocal. This can be done simultaneously through same site of aspiration with Parker Pearson

Background The incidence of septic arthritis is 2–10/100,000. Morbidity is higher with persistent joint dysfunction in up to 30%. Osteoarthritic knee with infection presents a rare challenge, with no established approach for treatment exists. We present our experience of managing infected degenerative joint disease (DJD) with two-stage primary arthroplasty similar to the management of periprosthetic joint infection. Patients and methods Four patients presented to us between 2016 and 2018 with advanced DJD associated with coexistent joint sepsis with or without adjacent osteomyelitis. The diagnosis of joint sepsis with periarticular osteomyelitis was made based on clinical presentation, radiographic findings, inflammatory serological markers, and culture of knee joint aspirate. All were operated with primary arthroplasty in two stages of debridement with a static spacer followed by antibiotics and implantation. Discussion With no established method of treating DJD superadded with infection, our experience adds valuable information in treating the same. Our 2-staged primary arthroplasty had a short antibiotic duration between stages, a mean of 63.5 days, and stopped within 3 days of 2ndstage reducing hospital stay, morbidity, and cost. Our approach is a very viable method of treating infected DJD with a minimum drug holiday time of two weeks before implantation with a better outcome, reducing the recurrence rate of infection. Though a small number with a minimum follow-up of 24 months, we believe we provide valuable additional information. Conclusion All patients had painless return to early activities with no signs of recurrent infection. Our approach is a very viable and could serve as a cost-effective method treatment for an infected arthritic knee.

Objective: The aim of this study is to characterise the clinical and microbiological profile of adult patients treated at our orthopaedic unit with septic arthritic between 2006 and 2017. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of septic arthritis between 2006 and 2017 were included in the study. The patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics were surveyed; microbiological profile and the complications relating to the patients' treatment were identified. Results: Septic arthritis was more common among males (83%). About 75% of the patients presented with a history of fever. The knee was the most commonly affected joint (71%), followed by the hip. While C-reactive protein was found to be consistently >75, total blood white blood cell (WBC) counts were found not to be reflective of the presence of infection with a mean WBC count of only 13,561/cu.mm, and Gram stain examination had a poor sensitivity of 47%. Among the co-morbidities, the most prevalent association was with diabetes mellitus. The infectious agent most frequently isolated was Staphylococcus aureus(42.85%). The antibiotic sensitivity pattern has evolved since the early years, with resistant strains becoming increasingly prevalent. Unusually, high incidence of streptococci was noted (30%), contrary to the published literature. One-third of the patients had multi-resistant organisms. Septic arthritis left 70% of the patients with a significant residual disability at 6 months follow-up and had 4.25% mortality. Conclusion: Changing sensitivity patterns of microbes in septic arthritis point to a need for reconsidering empirical antibiotic therapy. Joint damage following infection can lead to significant disability.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by spirochetal bacterial of the genus Leptospira affecting virtually all mammals. The infection has a broad range of effects, from mild clinical manifestation to multiple organ failure, and ultimately death. A 5-months-old male unvaccinated dog was admitted to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital presenting dullness, dehydration, jaundiced mucous, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and hyporexia. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) detected serological titers of 1:1.600 for serogroup Canicola. After five days of monitoring by the medical team he developed fever and swelling of carpal and tarsal joints, accompanied by functional limitation. Initial antimicrobial treatment was instituted for leptospirosis. Polyarthritis responsiveness to glucocorticoid therapy was observed through decreasing signs of inflammation of the affected joints. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was further confirmed by molecular investigation for Leptospira spp. on blood and synovial fluid samples. Amplification and sequencing of the secY partial gene characterized the infective bacterial as Leptospira interrogans. From the 7th day the respiratory condition worsened and on Day 14 the patient evolved to death, when necropsy and histological evaluation were performed. Prominent anatomopathological findings included: fibrinous polyarthritis, bronchointerstitial pneumonia, intense hepatocyte dissociation, cholestasis, and periportal multifocal hepatitis, diffuse acute tubular necrosis, and significant dystrophic mineralization in the renal parenchyma, lungs, and atrial endocardium. Here, we present a case report of systemic clinical manifestations polyarthritis associated with the presence of leptospiras in the synovial fluid. We highlight the need for richer knowledge about the different clinical manifestations of leptospirosis.

Reconstruction of an infected knee joint with a large defect and extensor mechanism deficiency is challenging. In this study, we aim to describe a one-stage reconstruction surgery and provide its surgical outcome. Two patients had patellar open fracture and subsequent septic arthritis; in addition, a large soft tissue defect, loss of patella, and shortening of the patellar tendon were observed. The semitendinosus–gracilis tendon formed a loop to stabilize the patella. A free or supercharged reverse pedicle myocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap with fascial extension is designed to fill the defect and eradicate the infection. Mean clinical follow-up was 18 months. Although some limitation in the knee range of motion was observed, the dynamometer showed only partial loss in peak concentric power and eccentric power. We developed an innovative surgical procedure to alleviate infection and reconstruct a complex knee defect with extensor mechanism deficiency; this procedure resulted in favorable clinical outcomes.

Background The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of infective arthritis and to analyze risk factors for Gram-negative bacterial infections that cause infective arthritis. Materials and methods Patients admitted between 2009 - 2018 with infective arthritis in a single-tertiary hospital were evaluated retrospectively. Results A total of 181 patients were enrolled in this study. Of them, 135 were native joint infection patients and 46 were prosthetic joint infection patients. The most common site of infective arthritis was the knee (63.6%), followed by the shoulder (17.7%), and the hip (9.9%). The most frequently identified microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (51.1%), followed by Streptococci sp. (21.1%), Enterobacteriaceae (8.4%), and coagulase-negative-Staphylococci (CNS; 8.4%). Infections due to Gram-negative bacteria and fungi made up 13.7% and 3.2% of all cases, respectively. Additionally, 20% and 4.2% of the cases involved methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and MRCNS. We found that bacteriuria, infective arthritis in the hip, and steroid use at admission are independent risk factors for Gram-negative bacterial infections. Conclusion Infective arthritis with methicillin-resistant microorganisms reached up to about 25% in a single-tertiary hospital in Korea. In case of suspected urinary tract infection, infective arthritis of the hip joint, or steroid use at admission time among infective arthritis patients, empirical treatment covering Gram-negative microorganisms can be considered.

Introduction Modern magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a great sensitivity in detecting hip joint abnormalities, and because of its property of excellent visualization of soft tissue and nonionizing radiation, it is the modality of choice these days in not only adults but also pediatric musculoskeletal pathologies. Materials and Methods It was a prospective study performed in a tertiary care institute from 2016 to 2018. Total 64 cases with hip pathology attending orthopedics OPD (out patient department) and consenting to participate were included in the study. All the consenting participants were subjected to MRI scan. Results The most common pathology detected was avascular necrosis consisting of 28 cases. The next most common abnormality detected was infective arthritis, found in seven cases. Three patients were diagnosed with metastasis. Conclusion MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice for pathologies of hip for which radiographic and clinical findings are inconclusive. With MRI, one can stage the pathology to prognosticate and influence therapeutic decisions.

Acromioclavicular arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain around the shoulder joint in middle-aged and elderly population. It is because of early degeneration of the articular cartilage and disc. The disease usually remains asymptomatic, and it presents as an incidental finding on shoulder X-Ray or Magnetic resonance imaging. It can be due to primary degenerative, inflammatory, traumatic and infective arthritis. The patient may also come with the atypical location of pain like in cervical or over deltoid muscle. A thorough understanding of its anatomy, biomechanics, history and physical examination of the patient is necessary for management of this condition. Treatment options include lifestyle modification, a short course of chemotherapy, muscle strengthening, physiotherapy or local intraarticular injection of steroid. After six months of conservative treatment if the patient still has pain then operative treatment is advisable in the form of open or arthroscopic distal clavicular resection.

Objective This article aimed to describe the use and evolution of a synthetic osteochondral resurfacing (SOR) implant in the treatment of osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) of the femoral condyle and to report the clinical, radiographic, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes of this technique. Methods Medical records of dogs that were treated with first-generation (G1) and second-generation (G2) SOR at a single institute were reviewed. Surgical reports and clinical examinations as well as the preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs, computed tomographic images and magnetic resonance imaging images were reviewed. Results Fourteen stifles (nine dogs) were included in the study. G1-SOR implants were employed in six stifles of four dogs and G2-SOR implants in eight stifles of five dogs. Osteochondrosis dissecans of the medial femoral condyle was confirmed as the sole pathology in all dogs treated with G1-SOR. Only one of eight OCD lesions was located on the medial condyle in the G2-SOR group with the remaining seven lesions affecting the lateral femoral condyle. At 12 weeks, 13 of 14 stifles displayed implant stability, with no subchondral bone changes or evidence of lucency around any implant. Eight of nine dogs achieved a good-excellent clinical outcome. Complications included one minor surgical site infection and one infective arthritis which required implant removal. Clinical Significance In this cohort of dogs, both G1-SOR and G2-SOR were successful and repeatable surgical procedures for dogs with OCD of the femoral condyle.

Dermatology and rheumatology are two specialties that deal with significant overlap. In this context, it is important that the dermatologists acquaint themselves with conditions presenting with arthropathy. As the first step, it is essential to know whether the origin of musculoskeletal symptom is articular or extra-articular; inflammatory or noninflammatory; acute or chronic; oligo- or poly-articular. This will help in narrowing down the differential diagnoses as well as in better correlation with the cutaneous symptoms. In this review, we discuss the skin and articular manifestations of common inflammatory and noninflammatory arthropathies including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, connective tissue disorders, vasculitis, crystal arthropathies, infective arthritis, arthritis associated with degenerative, endocrine and metabolic conditions, etc. We have also added a section on the common cutaneous features associated with the treatment of rheumatologic diseases. A basic understanding of the joint pathologies and associated skin changes will help a long way in the better management of these conditions.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that has been linked to several risk factors, including periodontitis. Identification of new anti-inflammatory compounds to treat arthritis is needed. We had previously demonstrated the beneficial effect of Kava-241, a kavain-derived compound, in the management of Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis. The present study evaluated systemic and articular effects of Kava-241 in an infective arthritis murine model triggered by P. gingivalis bacterial inoculation and primed with a collagen antibody cocktail (CIA) to induce joint inflammation and tissular destruction. Clinical inflammation score and radiological analyses of the paws were performed continuously, while histological assessment was obtained at sacrifice. Mice exposed to P. gingivalis and a CIA cocktail and treated concomitantly with Kava-241 exhibited a reduced clinical inflammatory score and a decreased number of inflammatory cells and osteoclasts within joint. Kava-241 treatment also decreased significantly tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in serum from mice injected with a Toll-like receptor 2 or 4 (TLR-2/4) ligand, P. gingivalis-lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Finally, bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with P. gingivalis and exposed to Kava-241 displayed reduced TLR-2/4, reduced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related signal elements, and reduced LPS-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF), all explaining the observed reduction of TNF-α secretion. Taken together, these results emphasized the novel properties of Kava-241 in the management of inflammatory conditions, especially TNF-α-related diseases such as infective RA.

Some studies have suggested seasonal variations in pediatric orthopaedic infection. We sought to determine if there is seasonal variation in septic arthritis and/or osteomyeltis. We performed a query of a single pediatric hospital's database, iden- tifying all patients diagnosed with septic arthritis and/or osteomyelitis, age 0 through 18, from 1994 through 2010. The institution is located in a temperate climate with definite seasonal variations. Our query yielded 735 pyogenic arthritis and 104 unspecified infective arthritis diagnoses for a total of 839 combined septic arthritis cases. The query yielded 318 acute osteomyelitis, 227 chronic osteomyelitis, and 1114 unspecified osteomyelitis diagnoses for a total of 1659 combined osteomyelitis cases. We identified statistically significant differences in regard to region of body involvement, gender, age, and incidence over time. There was no statistically significant difference with regard to month or season at the time of presentation. There does not appear to be a seasonal variation in the incidence of septic arthritis or osteomyelitis in the pediatric population. This would not support the perception of an "infection season" in pediatric orthopedics. In addition, there is a stable incidence of septic arthritis and an increasing incidence of osteomyelitis noted at our institution over the last 17 years.

A popliteal cyst is the most common cystic lesion around the knee and is also known as a popliteal synovial cyst or a Baker cyst1,2. A popliteal synovial cyst results from the collection of synovial joint fluid through a synovial defect in the posterior capsule of the knee joint. It was first described by Adams in 1840, and subsequently popularized by Dr. William Morrant Baker in 18771,2. These cystic swellings in the popliteal region have been evaluated with anatomical cadaveric studies and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)3, which has helped us to understand the underlying pathology. Although noninfectious conditions like degenerative joint disease, internal derangements of the knee, and inflammatory conditions of the knee are commonly associated with a Baker cyst, infective arthritis can also present as a popliteal cyst3-6. However, an infected popliteal cyst without knee joint involvement is a rare presentation. This case report describes a patient with a tubercular popliteal cyst. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A twenty-two-year-old man presented with pain of two weeks’ duration in the upper leg. The pain was dull aching and continuous, regardless of the nature of the activity. He had no history of trauma, no constitutional symptoms, and no prior contact with a patient with active tuberculosis. The patient was well nourished and of moderate build. Local examination of the right leg revealed edema over the anteromedial aspect of the upper leg, with diffuse fullness over the proximal aspect of the calf. No warmth of the area was detected but there was induration. Deep palpation showed no underlying focal or diffuse osseous tenderness, thickening, or irregularity. The circumference of the calf was increased compared with …

Background Infective arthritis with fusobacterium is rare and difficult to diagnose & initially can be misidentified as Neisseria arthritis based on microscopy results. It is associated with Lemierre9s Disease & is important to recognise. Objectives To demonstrate that a “linked up” approach between culture and PCR in the analysis of joint fluids will provide timely identification of the organism and allow for appropriate antibiotic use & to show the utility of bacterial 16S rRNA PCR in sterile site fluid analysis. Methods This is a case study of a pyogenic wrist infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum in the rheumatology department Results Our report follows a 17 year old caucasian female presenting with a history of left wrist pain, swelling and flu-like symptoms. Microscopy of joint aspirate revealed gram negative diplococci. Empirical antibiotic therapy, Ceftriaxone, was used to cover for potential gonococcus. Real-time PCR testing was negative for both gonococcus and meningococcus. However a real-time PCR assay targeting the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene detected bacterial DNA1. The patient did not clinically improve and further aspirate remained positive for the 16S rRNA gene target. As all joint aspirates and other specimens remained culture negative, the decision was taken to attempt bacterial 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing on DNA extracted directly from the joint aspirate. The sequences recovered were identified as F necrophorum. This was eventually confirmed by anaerobic culture of the initial joint aspirate. A suspicion of Lemierre9s disease (thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and/or bacteraemia) was raised, however jugular venous dopplers were normal. The outcome was favourable following guided antibiotic treatment. Conclusions This case illustrates that F. necrophorum infection may occur with unusual or disseminated presentation, but in the absence of the classical features of Lemierre9s syndrome. The possibility of Neisseria was recognised early & appropriate empirical antibiotic cover was used. This is important given the emergence of virulent meningococcal serogroup W ST11 strains causing infections with unusual presentation (including septic arthritis) in the UK2. Reliance on microscopy findings alone could have led to an incorrect diagnosis of gonococcal septic arthritis – a condition with very low complication rates and excellent prognosis. In contrast, non-gonococcal septic arthritis is a medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality3. The F. necrophorum infection in this case could have had fatal complications if it had been managed as a gonococcal infection. Secondly this case highlights the utility of bacterial 16S PCR and sequencing directly from a normally sterile site, allowing accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. References Yang S et al (2002)Quantitative Multiprobe PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection and Identification to Species Level of Bacterial Pathogens J Clin Micro 40(9):3449–3454. Ladhani SN, et al(2014) Increase in Endemic Neisseria meningitidis Capsular Group W Sequence Type 11 Complex Associated With Severe Invasive Disease in England and Wales. Clinical Infectious Disease 60:578–585. Shirtliff & Mader (2002) Acute septic arthritis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 15(4):527–44. Disclosure of Interest None declared

First metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis has long been established as an effective surgical procedure for treatment of many different pathologies. These commonly include severe hallux valgus, chronic joint instability, neuromuscular disease, avascular necrosis, and arthritic conditions such as hallux rigidus, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, infective arthritis, gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis [1–25]. First MTPJ arthrodesis has also been indicated for failed procedures of the first ray including previous hallux valgus osteotomies, hallux varus deformity, and salvage of replacement and resectional arthroplasties [20, 26–38]. As with any surgical procedure, complications of first MTPJ arthrodesis may arise postoperatively, which may include infection, wound dehiscence, osteomyelitis, ischemic limb, nerve entrapment hematoma, seroma, failed hardware, delayed union, nonunion, malunion, and hallux interphalangeal joint (HIPJ) arthritis [4, 5, 13, 14, 19, 39–44]. Amputation or loss of limb may be a catastrophic sequelae as a result of one of the aforementioned complications.

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all cause arthritis of either acute or chronic nature, which can be divided into infective/septic, reactive, or inflammatory. Considerable advances have occurred in diagnostic techniques in the recent decades resulting in better treatment outcomes in patients with infective arthritis. Detection of emerging arthritogenic viruses has changed the epidemiology of infection-related arthritis. The role of viruses in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis is increasingly being recognized. We discuss the various causative agents of infective arthritis and emphasize on the approach to each type of arthritis, highlighting the diagnostic tests, along with their statistical accuracy. Various investigations including newer methods such as nucleic acid amplification using polymerase chain reaction are discussed along with the pitfalls in interpreting the tests.

Background: Arthroscopic debridement with continuous irrigation system was used with success in treating infective arthritis. We evaluated the effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement coupled with antibiotic continuous irrigation system in acute presentation of late infected total knee arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of medical record of patients with acute presentation of late infected total knee arthroplasty who were treated by arthroscopic debridement coupled with continuous postoperative antibiotic irrigation system. Results: Seventeen patients were included in our study. 15 (88%) patients preserved their total knee prosthesis at mean of followup of 27.5 months (range, 14-28 months). Two (12%) patients failed arthroscopic protocol and finally needed two stages revision. Our study showed an 88% prosthesis retention rate in patients with acute presentation of late prosthetic knee infection. No complication was associated with use of antibiotic irrigation system. Conclusion: Arthroscopic debridement combined with continuous antibiotic irrigation and suction is an effective treatment for patients with acute presentation of late infected total knee arthroplasty.

An eight-year old, Rottweiler was presented with a chronic non-weight bearing right pelvic limb -lameness and a discharging sinus at the right stifle joint. Fifteen weeks previously a diagnosis of bacterial infective arthritis had been made, presumed attributable to haematogenous spread. Failure to respond to appropriate surgical and medical management resulted in severe joint dysfunction. The poor prognosis for restoration of limb function resulted in limb amputation. Subsequent exploration of the sinus tract and the stifle joint revealed a stick within the craniolateral aspect of the joint. This penetrating stick injury had been responsible for the persistent bacterial infective arthritis.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) of hip constitutes nearly 15% of all cases of osteoarticular tuberculosis. We report a retrospective study carried out on 43 children with hip TB. Materials and Methods: Forty-three children of TB hip treated between 1971 and 2000 were analysed. Twenty-four children of the early series were treated with streptomycin (S), isoniazid (H) and PAS (Pa) for 18 months (3HPaS, 15 HPa), while 19 children in the later series were treated with isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R) and ethambutol (E) or pyrazinamide (Z) for 12 months [(12 RHE(Z)]. Five out of 18 children with radiologically normal appearing type hip TB were treated with chemotherapy alone and 38 children were subjected to surgery; simple synovectomy alone in 31 hips, joint debridement in six hips, and proximal femoral varisation osteotomy in one. After surgery hips were immobilized in cast for one to three months according to the severity of the disease and patients pain tolerance, and then were mobilized under leg traction in bed gradually till pain subsided completely. Results: TB of hip healed with minimum sequelae in all children. In 18 Type one hip TB, normal hip (synovial form) anatomy was maintained, and in 25 patients with advanced lesions some defect in the femoral head and acetabulum was noticed, though painless good hip motion was maintained. Excellent to good results were obtained in 31 children (73.1%), fair in eight (18.6%), and poor in four (9.3%). In four patients with poor results, there was some residual morphological defect in the hip. None developed ankylosis of hip. Conclusion: We achieved good outcome with minimum sequelae in this series. The management goal should be aimed not only to heal the disease but also to maintain a painless mobile hip and anatomical cephalocotyloid relationship until maturity, and retard the development of secondary osteoarthritis.

As equine practitioners, we all know that diagnosing synovial sepsis can sometimes be challenging when trying to distinguish between early stage infective arthritis, with a relatively low total nucleated cell count (TNCC), and traumatic arthritis with a high white blood cell count.1 Another challenge can be obtaining enough synovial fluid, if any, to allow determination of the three most useful parameters in making the diagnosis of septic synovitis: TNCC, neutrophil percentage and total protein. Under the worst circumstances, if a very chronic septic process is encountered with extensive soft tissue trauma or infection and large wounds, synovial cavity puncture, aspiration and withdrawal may not be possible or should even be discouraged (Fig 1). In these particular circumstances, a systemic quick, affordable sensitive and specific synovial biomarker test to aid the immediate diagnosis is needed to allow clinical therapeutic decisions to be made rapidly. FIG 1 Extensive distal left hindlimb celullitis secondary to a chronic wound involving the digital flexor tendon sheath In a study by Robinson and others,2 summarised on p 425 of this week’s Veterinary Record , serum amyloid A (SAA) seems to have been identified as an ideal biomarker, supported by evidence from a large number of clinical cases that blood and synovial fluid SAA concentrations can both be used to differentiate between septic or contaminated versus …

The genus Raoultella has been separated from the genus Klebsiella in 2001. Two main species are responsible for human infections: R. ornithinolytica and R. planticola. The most frequent infections due to R. planticola include cystitis, pneumonia and bacteremia (mostly in immunocompromised hosts). To date, no joint or bone infection has been reported. We describe the first case of septic arthritis due to R. planticola following an arthroscopy with intra-articular injection of corticosteroids. Evolution was favorable after arthroscopic lavage and antibiotic therapy with quinolones. Raoultella planticola has been described rarely in human infection. It is mainly deemed responsible for cystitis, pneumonia and bacteremia (mostly in immunocompromised hosts) [1, 2, 3]. To our knowledge no case of bone or joint infection has been reported. We described here the first case of infective arthritis due to R. planticola involving a native knee joint following synovectomy and intra-articular injection of corticosteroids during arthroscopy.

Shewanella is Gram-negative motile bacillus, non fermentative and facultative anaerobe. Its natural habitat is all forms of water and soil, but has also been isolated from fish, dairy products, oils, and carcasses. Often found with microflora of the marine environment. Bacterial infections with Shewanella spp. are rare. The exposure to the marine environment, sea and diary food are considered as a risk factor for Shewanella spp. infection. Clinical infections seen are otitis, soft tissue infection, bacteremia, ear infection, eye infection, infective arthritis, osteomyelitis, infective endocarditis and peritonitis.

Musculoskeletal infection is one of the common manifestations of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. With immune deficiency, patients are susceptible to a variety of nonopportunistic and opportunistic infections that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Infection can involve any anatomical compartments resulting in infectious arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, and soft tissue and skin infection. Imaging plays an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment planning for these patients. This article reviews the clinical manifestations of musculoskeletal infection together with reported causative organisms. We discuss the role of imaging and present radiological examples.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is one of the leading causes of death among young adults worldwide.1 Despite new insights into the pathogenesis of the infection and novel antiviral approaches, the prevalence of HIV infection continues to increase, both in the developed and the underdeveloped countries. It is estimated that well over 40 million people are infected with HIV type 1 (HIV-1), the principal cause of the growing pandemic. Twenty-five years has seen the transformation of HIV infection from a fatal condition to a manageable chronic illness largely due to the speedy development of antiretroviral therapy (ART).2 The evolution of HIV pandemic has been matched by a marked transformation in the profile of rheumatologic manifestations in the era of antiretroviral therapy. With increasing number of individuals getting HIV infection, the number of HIV-infected patients with rheumatic manifestations is bound to increase. HIV can present with myriad of presentations, of which reactive arthritis, infective arthritis, diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome (DILS), and myositis are some of the rheumatological conditions that can occur in a HIV-infected individual. The aim of this review is to provide is to give a brief review of the varied rheumatic manifestations that occur in the course of HIV infection with an update overview with a focus on the impact of ART on the change in the rheumatology spectrum.3

Septic arthropathy leads to rapid joint destruction, impairment, and disability.Staphylococcuscan be particularly virulent to bone and joints leading to adverse obstetric events. At 28 of weeks gestation, a patient presented with pyelonephritis and progressive left shoulder pain. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated early clavicular destruction and acromial involvement. Glenohumeral joint aspiration producedStaphylococcus aureus. The patient then had premature rupture of membranes and progressed rapidly to preterm delivery. Placental pathology revealed chorioamnionitis and microabscesses. Treatment of the infected joint required further surgical drainage and bone resection as well as extended antibiotics. It is important to remember that joint pain in pregnancy may indicate infective arthritis, and pyelonephritis can be a source of such an infection. Evaluation includes magnetic resonance imaging and consultation for joint aspiration. Prompt recognition and treatment are necessary to prevent joint destruction.

Bacillus species infection of the joints is a very rare occurrence, with sporadic reports in the medical literature.A 67-year-old woman with osteoarthritis developed infection in the knee joint after arthroscopy. Percutaneous needle aspiration of articular fluid performed post-operatively showed a positive culture for Bacillus species. The diagnosis of septic arthritis was, however, not confirmed as the results were considered contamination. Failure of treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics on two occasions and successful cure of infective arthritis by long-term administration of a fluoroquinolone confirmed iatrogenic clinical joint infection with Bacillus species.Any clinically suspected joint infection must be treated as septic arthritis until proved otherwise.

Background: Monoarthritis is a common rheumatological complaint. Inspite of investigations, many cases remain undiagnosed. Prompt investigation and treatment is important in acute arthritis especially septic arthritis else joint destruction, permanent disability or even death can result. This study was conducted to etiologically categorise patients as inflammatory, non-inflammatory and infective arthritis and to study the outcome. Methods: This observational prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai enrolled 40 patients above the age of 12 yrs presenting with first episode of mono-articular arthritis. They were treated with standard treatment guidelines and followed up every 3 monthly for one year. Outcome was assessed using ESR, CRP values and Health Assessment Questionnaire. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 38 years with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. Acute and chronic mono-articular arthritis cases were 16.2% and 83.7% respectively. Knee joint was most commonly involved (38%). Etiologically inflammatory, infectious and non-inflammatory cases were 59.5%, 29.7% and 10.8% respectively. In 21% cases etiology was tuberculosis. 27 % evolved into oligoarthritis over one year. The serial ESR, CRP values and Stanford Health Assessment Questionarre scores decreased significantly across all etiological groups with treatment. Conclusions: Knee is the most commonly affected joint in mono-articular arthritis. Tuberculosis is the most common etiology. Irrespective of the etiology, if patients are treated according to standard guidelines promptly mono-articular arthritis has a good response to therapy as assessed by the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and serial measurements of proinflammatory markers like ESR, CRP.

Introduction: Monoarticular arthritis which means inflammation, (infective or non-infective) of single synovial joint is a huge burden in the health care system. Chronic monoarthritis is characterized by its progressive onset and slow development, commonly presenting with mild inflammatory signs. The clinical presentation is usually nonspecific especially in the early stages. To evaluate the role of clinical, hematological and immunological features in the diagnosis of peripheral large joint monoarthritis and its correlation with radiographic studies and histopathological studies of the same. Materials: A total of 30 patients of a monoarticular joint disease were studied in which conventional radiography, MR imaging, arthroscopy and synovial biopsy as techniques for its diagnosis were compared. Results: The mean age in the present study was 21.23 years with a preponderance of male patients. MRI was found to have high sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (85.7%) in the diagnosis of chronic inflammatory synovitis. Arthroscopy wasfound to have a sensitivity of 83-85% and specificity of 85-86% in diagnosing both inflammatory and infective synovitis. Conclusion: MRI is recommended as additional techniques in the initial diagnostic evaluation when radiography yields negative results. When assessed together with ahistopathological examination of the synovium and mycobacterial cultures, MRI imaging forms a powerful tool in diagnosing tubercular synovitis early. Arthroscopic joint evaluation should be used wherever feasible for a complete evaluation of the knee joint along arthroscopic guided biopsy. Not only does it increase the diagnostic yield of the biopsy but can also diagnose other associated conditions.

Summary The joint diseases that are encountered in chronic dialysis have been reviewed. There are two general categories: de novo disease and arthropathy anteceding ESRD. The de novo joint diseases include categories that are probably the direct result of ESRD. Microcrystalline CaOHapatite and CaPPD arthritis is associated with hyperparathyroidism and a high Ca X P. Aluminum phosphate joint disease is the result of aluminum toxicity. Both types have severe disease of the adjacent bone: osteitis fibrosa with CaOHapatite-CaPPD arthropathy and osteomalacia with aluminum phosphate. Calcium oxalate joint disease probably results from renal oxalate retention in ESRD and conversion of ascorbate to oxalate. The evidence for uric acid arthropathy in the absence of primary gout or lead toxicity is not convincing. Amyloid is the most frequent cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome and is related to retention of β-2 microglobulin. Infective arthritis may be Seen, often occumng as a result of bacteremia from an infected fistula site. A degenerative arthritis different from osteoarthritis has also been described. Pathologic fractures can occur with both amyloid deposition in bone and aluminum osteomalacia. Long-term steroid therapy can lead to avascular necrosis of femoral or humeral heads. Diabetes mellitus with neuropathy can give rise to a very destructive Charcot joint. Tendon ruptures occur, but the mechanism is obscure. It is most important that the nephrologist work closely with the rheumatologist. Carefbl and sophis ticated examination of synovial fluid and tissue is mandatory in the microcrystalling diseases. Immunohistochemical methods may be required, particularly for tissue removed during decompression of the median nerve. Together the subspecialists can establish the diagnosis and determine the appropriate therapy for the iarge number of joint disorders to which the dialysis patient is subject.

Consecutively collected synovial fluids were examined for presence of bacterial DNA (a 700-bp fragment of the bacterial 23S rRNA gene) followed by DNA sequencing of amplicons, and by conventional bacteriological methods. One or more microorganisms were identified in 22 of the 227 synovial fluids (9,7%) originating from 17 patients. Sixteen of the patients had clinical signs of arthritis. For 11 patients molecular and conventional bacterial examinations were in agreement. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, were detected in synovial fluids from 6, 2 and 2 patients, respectively. In 3 patients only 23S rRNA analysis was positive; 2 synovial fluids contained S. dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis and 1 S. pneumoniae). The present study indicates a significant contribution by PCR with subsequent DNA sequencing of the 23S rRNA gene analysis in recognizing and identification of microorganisms from synovial fluids.

Erosive polyarthritis was diagnosed in an 11-month-old neutered male Egyptian Mau-cross cat with concurrent glucocorticoid-responsive dermatitis. Clinical signs, synovial fluid analysis, serological tests and radiographic appearance could not differentiate between immune-mediated and infective arthritis. Mycoplasma gateae was isolated by strictly anaerobic culture of the synovial fluid. Treatment with Enrofloxacin led to a rapid improvement of the cat's condition. Two months later the cat was euthanased because of severe glomerulonephritis and direct Coombs' test positive anaemia, possibly caused by mycoplasma infection. M gateae could not be isolated at post-mortem examination.

To investigate factors influencing functional prognosis for patients who have undergone total hip arthroplasty for late sequelae of infective arthritis of the hip, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 75 hips. All patients had had pyogenic or tuberculous infection and later underwent total hip arthroplasty. The average follow-up period was 5.8 years (range, 3-9 years). Various clinical and radiographic measures were analyzed with respect to Harris hip scores. Younger age at the time of infection onset, preoperative leg length discrepancy greater than 1 in, fusion, severe femoral hypoplasia, and severe acetabular dysplasia were associated with poorer prognosis. The complication rate, including 1 recurrent infection, was relatively low. Previous infections seemed to predict poorer results mostly because of the consequences of infection for the development of the hip joint, rather than because of infection recurrence.

INFECTIVE arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy caused by an infective agent which can be cultured from the affected joint(s). Bacteria are the most common cause of infective arthritis in dogs and cats in the UK. However, bacterial arthritis can resemble many other arthropathies and attempts to achieve a definitive diagnosis by culture of the offending organism are not always successful. This article sets out a diagnostic plan for suspected cases of bacterial infective arthritis and discusses current treatment recommendations in the light of recent evidence and ongoing research in both the veterinary and medical fields.

Background Septic arthritis of the knee joint requires prompt diagnosis and treatment for optimal outcomes. Pyomyositis with abscess formation is uncommon but may present with similar symptoms in the vicinity of a joint. Objective This report describes two cases of medial thigh abscess initially diagnosed and treated as septic arthritis, and highlights the need to make an accurate diagnosis. Case Report Two patients presenting with knee pain secondary to pyomyositis and abscess formation in the medial thigh were investigated with aspiration and treated subsequently with knee surgery, resulting in contamination of the knee joint in one case and delayed diagnosis with significant morbidity in both. Conclusion Failure to identify a soft tissue infection may lead to delayed diagnosis, misdirected treatment, and contamination of a normal joint. Diagnosis is best confirmed with thorough physical examination and specific imaging where available.

Gentamicin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads were used to treat infective arthritis in the small tarsal joints of 11 severely lame horses. Under general anaesthesia, between five and 10 beads were placed into a 7 to 8 mm tract drilled across the affected joint and, in all except one horse, they were left in place for 14 days. Two of the horses were euthanased for reasons other than persistent tarsal joint sepsis, but the other nine survived and seven of them returned to their previous level of athletic performance.

Infective arthritis (InfectA) has a variable geographical pattern. A 'Medline' search did not yield any earlier series on epidemiological pattern of InfectA from Kuwait or the Gulf region. Therefore, an observational prospective study of sequential cases seen over a period of 4 years was carried out. Of a total of 2021 patients seen during this period, 36 (1.8%) were diagnosed to have InfectA. There were 6 (16.7%) cases of neisserial and 30 (83.3%) of non-neisserial InfectA. Predisposing factors were seen in 17 (47.2%), all with non-neisserial InfectA. Microbiological diagnosis was proven in 15 (41.7%) cases, and included Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 5, Brucella spp. in 4, Staphylococcus aureus in 3, and Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella spp. and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1 each. In the remaining 21 (58.3%) cases the diagnosis was made on clinical grounds and confirmed on therapeutic response. The most common presentation of neisserial InfectA was acute polyarthritis while that of non-neisserial InfectA was acute monoarthritis. All patients recovered with little disability and no mortality.