Case Report

Streptococcus pneumoniae Septic Arthritis Complicating Hip Osteonecrosis in Adults: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Authors: Ioannis G. Baraboutis, MD, Vasilios Papastamopoulos, MD, Athanasios Skoutelis, MD

Abstract

A 42-year-old patient presented acutely with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia along with metastatic pneumococcal infection of the hip joint. Diagnostic evaluation revealed evidence of a pre-existing bilateral hip osteonecrosis. The osteonecrotic changes were attributed to chronic alcohol abuse and/or an old motor vehicle accident. Appropriate therapy was promptly instituted and the septic arthritis responded well, necessitating hip aspiration only once. A few months later, the patient had no permanent sequelae of the infection.


Key Points


* Streptococcus pneumoniae septic arthritis should be suspected in patients with arthritic symptoms and a concomitant pneumococcal infection.


* S pneumoniae septic arthritis of the hip is an uncommon infection, associated with certain predisposing factors. Osteonecrosis is an exceedingly rare predisposing factor.


* Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent joint damage.

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