Infection in total joint arthroplasty from distal intravenous lines. A case report.
Prevention of late hematogenous infection of a total joint arthroplasty is of great importance because of the catastrophic consequences. Any situation that can lead to a bacteremia should be avoided and appropriate prophylactic antibiotics given in anticipation of a bacteremic episode. This report documents a bacteremia and total joint infection secondary to a routine intravenous line placed in an extremity distal to a total knee arthroplasty. Routine intravenous infusion lines should not be placed in extremities with proximal total joint arthroplasties. Educating both patients and physicians about the risks to a prosthetic joint is important.
Friedman
R J
RJ
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology*