Clinical and epidemiological differences between septic arthritis of the knee and hip caused by oxacillin-sensitive and -resistant s. aureus

OBJECTIVE: To establish the risk factors for joint infection by oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using clinical and epidemiological data. METHODS: All septic arthritis cases of the knee and hip diagnosed and treated in our institution from 2006 to 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Only patients with cultures identified as microbial agents were included in the study. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients were analyzed, seeking the differences between populations affected by MRSA and oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). RESULTS: S. aureus was isolated in thirty-five patients (46.0%) in our total sample, 25 in the knee and 10 in the hip. Of these 35 patients, 22 presented with MSSA and 13 presented with MRSA. Provenance from a health service-related environment, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was the only variable associated with oxacillin-resistant strains of this bacterium (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Provenance from a health service-related environment was associated with a higher incidence of MRSA-related septic arthritis, suggesting that this agent should be considered in the initial choice of antibiotic treatment. Previous surgeries of the knee or affected limb and the absence of leukocytes might also be related to infection with this agent. .

Effect of postoperative use of nasal oxygen catheter supplementation in wound healing following total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES: Healing is an event that is fundamental to the success of total knee arthroplasty. The aims of the present study were to compare the rates of complications related to wound healing between two groups of volunteers submitted to total knee arthroplasty and to evaluate the effects of postoperative oxygen supplementation by means of a nasal catheter. METHOD: A total of 109 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty were randomized into two groups, namely, groups that did and did not receive postoperative oxygen supplementation via a nasal catheter. The surgical wound was monitored every day during the hospital stay and on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 30th and 42nd postoperative days. Characteristics related to healing were observed, including hyperemia, dehiscence, necrosis, phlyctenules and deep and superficial infection. RESULTS: There were no cases of deep infection. Hyperemia was statistically correlated with the total number of complications in the groups, with oxygen demonstrated to be a protective factor against hyperemia. Approximately 30% of the patients who exhibited hyperemia had other complications, independent of oxygen supplementation. CONCLUSION: Oxygen supplementation following total knee arthroplasty was shown to be effective in diminishing hyperemia around the operative wound. The development of hyperemia was a precursor to other complications, irrespective of whether oxygen supplementation was used. .

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of septic arthritis of the hip, 2006 to 2012, a seven-year review

OBJECTIVE: To epidemiologically characterize the population treated at our orthopedic clinic with a diagnosis of septic arthritic of the hip between 2006 and 2012. METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the hip between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics were surveyed; a sensitivity profile relating to the microorganisms that caused the infections and the complications relating to the patients' treatment and evolution were identified. RESULTS: Septic arthritis was more common among males. Most diagnoses were made through positive synovial fluid cultures, after joint drainage was performed using the Smith-Petersen route. Among the comorbidities found, the most prevalent were systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and human immunodeficiency virus. The pathological joint conditions diagnosed prior to joint infection were osteoarthrosis and developmental dysplasia of the hip. The infectious agent most frequently isolated was Staphylococcus aureus. From the clinical and laboratory data investigated, 53.33% of the cases presented with fever, and all except one patient presented with increased measures in inflammation tests. Gram staining was positive in only 26.66% of the synovial fluid samples analyzed. Six patients presented with joint complications after treatment was administered. CONCLUSION: S. aureus is the most common pathogen in acute infections of the hip in our setting. Factors such as clinical comorbidities are associated with septic arthritis of the hip. Because of the relatively small number of patients, given that this is a condition of low prevalence, there was no statistically significant correlation in relation to worse prognosis for the disease. .

Retalhos de rotação para cobertura após artroplastia total de joelho / Rotation flaps for coverage after total knee arthroplasty

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados obtidos com o uso de retalhos miocutâneos de rotação local nos casos de deiscência da ferida operatória após artroplastia total de joelho. Métodos: Os pacientes submetidos a esse procedimentos cirúrgicos foram selecionados no período de 2000 a 2012. Os nove casos selecionados neste período foram submetido a retalhos de cobertura devido a deiscência de pele associada a infecção. Em oito casos utilizamos retalhos de rotação local do gastrocnêmio medial e um caso de avanço de pele. Resultados: em 89% destes casos houve sucesso quanto à cobertura da prótese e viabilidade dos retalhos. Em quatro casos foi possível manter ou revisar a prótese. Outros quatro casos evoluíram com necessidade de amputação por falha no tratamento infeccioso e um caso permaneceu sem a prótese. A avaliação funcional mostrou um resultado insatisfatório em 89% desses casos. Conclusão: Os retalhos de cobertura são uma boa opção para o tratamento dos casos de deiscência com exposição da prótese e que o insucesso funcional esteve associado à falha no controle do quadro infeccioso e aos danos causados por este. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Objective: To evaluate the results obtained using local rotation myocutaneous flaps in cases of wound dehiscence after total knee arthroplasty. Methods: Patients undergoing these surgical procedures were selected in the period 2000-2012. The nine selected cases in this period were subjected to flap coverage due to skin dehiscence associated with infection. In eight cases we used rotation flaps of the medial gastrocnemius and in one case, we used advancing skin. Results: 89% of the cases were successful in the coverage of the prosthesis and the viability of the flaps. In four cases it was possible to maintain or review the prosthesis. Four other cases progressed to amputation for infectious treatment failure and a case remained without the prosthesis. The functional evaluation showed an unsatisfactory outcome in 89% of cases. Conclusion: Coverage flaps are a good option for the treatment of cases of dehiscence with exposure of the prosthesis and the functional failure was associated with the inability to control the infection and the damage caused by this. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.