title: Tuberculosis joint infection following total knee arthroplasty.
abstract: Delayed onset tuberculosis infection appeared in a total knee implant in a 61-year-old former coal miner. After a five-day interval the knee was salvaged by removal, aggressive debridement, suction-irrigation, and reinsertion. Antituberculosis drugs were administered immediately following surgery on the basis of the characteristic exudate and stat histologic sections showing granulomata formation. At one year follow-up examination the result was excellent. Retention of the total knee implant is a viable alternative to arthrodesis or fibrous ankylosis of the knee in such a case. Tuberculosis should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with knee joint degenerative disease.
mesh_terms: D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D014394:Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents