J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2017 Apr;52(2):199-203. 10.4055/jkoa.2017.52.2.199.

Gas Forming Bacterial Infection after Total Knee Arthroplasty

• Chon JG
• Park BS
• Ahn CH
• Kang JW

• KMID: 2438986
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2017.52.2.199

Abstract

Postoperative gas-forming bacterial infection is very rare. However, it can be a life threatening problem if not properly addressed. Authors treated a patient who was infected with gas forming Escherichia coli after both knee arthroplasty with incision and drainage, as well as arthroscopic synovectomy and antibiotics. Herein, we report a case of postoperative gas-forming bacterial infection with literature review.

Keyword

knee arthroplasty; gas forming bacterial infection; Escherichia coli

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee*
Bacterial Infections*
Drainage
Escherichia coli
Humans
Anti-Bacterial Agents

Figure

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  Figure 1 An X-ray shows radiolucent cavity (arrows) in both lower legs.

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  Figure 2 Duplex sonogram shows intramuscular or intermuscular space airfoaming abscess around the knee joints. LT, left.

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  Figure 3 (A) Computed tomography (CT) scan shows diffuse wall thickening with intramural air bubbles (arrows) in the bladder, (B) CT scan shows intermuscular abscess (arrows) in both legs—thigh to lower leg.

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  Figure 4 (A, B) There was inflammation around the femur implant. (C) Arthroscopic synovectomy was performed to debride inflamed tissue.

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  Figure 5 (A) Postoperative X-ray shows disappeared radiolucent cavity. (B) Computed tomography (CT) scan shows disappeared intramural air bubbles (arrow). (C) CT scan shows disappeared intermuscular abscess in both legs—thigh to lower leg.

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