Total knee arthroplasty in tuberculous arthritis

A Systematic Review and Qualitative Analysis of Studies Performing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in Tuberculosis (TB) of the Knee

Tuberculosis (TB) is a widespread global disease that significantly impacts daily life. Skeletal TB comprises about 10-35% of all TB cases. Significant research on the spine and hip exists, but due to the rarity of cases, the management of TB is less explored. Furthermore, exercising the option of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in TB knees is still in its initial stages. This systematic review aims to identify and comprehend the difficulties associated with diagnosing TB-affected knees, their treatment outcomes, and complications related to TKA. A systematic review of existing English literature retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases was performed using the PRISMA guidelines. A case series of arthroplasty performed on TB knees included a description of the diagnostic approach, clinical outcome, and complication rates. Moreover, studies involving case series with follow-up functional outcomes were included. The Coleman Methodology was used to assess the quality of the studies. A total of six studies (75 knees) were systematically reviewed in this study. The diagnosis of TB knee is multimodal, with MRI being a reliable tool. Administering anti-TB chemotherapy is essential during the perioperative period. Regarding recurrence, a two-stage TKA has a lower risk of recurrence. It is plausible to state that anti-TB chemotherapy needs to be initiated in the perioperative period to prevent the chances of recurrences. Two-stage TKA is reserved for patients who require soft tissue debridement despite adequate chemotherapy.

Two-stage TKA for tuberculosis septic arthritis of the knee masquerading as pigmented villonodular synovitis: A case report

A 25-year-old female presented with left knee pain following arthroscopic synovectomy for presumed pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated tricompartmental arthritic changes. She underwent a two-stage procedure first involving antibiotic spacer implantation, followed 1 week later by spacer removal and definitive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) once initial intraoperative culture results were negative. Subsequent cultures confirmed tuberculosis septic arthritis. Repeat evaluation 1 year postoperatively showed no complications and patient satisfaction with left knee function. This is a unique case report in the United States describing 1-year outcomes following staged TKA for tuberculosis septic arthritis masquerading as PVNS.

Unconstrained one-stage total knee arthroplasty PS design in patient with secondary osteoarthritis due to granulomatous infection with medial femoral condyle defect: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Granulomatous Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection Causes Secondary Knee Osteoarthritis is still a point of contention in terms of therapy, whether it is done early in the first stage or later in the second stage of knee surgery. Early Total Knee Arthroplasty as a therapy for secondary knee osteoarthritis induced by Granulomatous mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is still performed rarely.

CASE PRESENTATION

A case of left pain and swollen knee in males for 8 months. Because of pain and reduced knee range of motion, the patient now has an antalgic gait, which make him difficult to do daily activities. Treatment with medications and physiotherapy failed. Radiographs revealed juxta-articular osteoporosis, peripherally distributed osseous erosions, joint space narrowing, and a bony defect in the medial femoral condyle. This case was successfully treated using Unconstrained Knee Arthroplasty PS Design.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Case selection for granulomatous infection case is key element to determine whether a single TKA procedure can be used to treat knee pain problems as a result of secondary osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

This case shows secondary knee osteoarthritis caused by Granulomatous Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection without pyogenic pus production might allow for early one-stage total knee arthroplasty. Three months following surgery, the patient's knee was stable and painless, with good wound healing and no signs of infection.

Great imitator: an unusual presentation of osteoarticular tuberculosis of the knee with gram-negative bacterial arthritis

A 33-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of right knee swelling with fungating masses and white-yellow discharge. Severe pain, limited movement and signs of sepsis were absent. Debridement, partial synovectomy and arthrotomy were done for the multiple sinuses that developed over the knee. Synovial tissue analysis yielded a positive acid-fast bacillus smear and Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR test, while aerobic culture studies grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii Chronic granulomatous inflammation was seen on histopathology. Alongside antibiotic therapy, multiple debridements of the right knee were required to eradicate the infection and allow wound repair. A flap coverage with split-thickness skin graft was performed after the bacterial infection resolved, and the patient was discharged ambulatory with minimal pain. Such atypical presentations of monarthritis require immediate workup and a prompt referral to a multidisciplinary team to establish the diagnosis and initiate appropriate management before irreversible joint destruction and disability ensues.

Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis of the elbow joint

Elbow is an uncommon joint to be affected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. It is involved in approximately 1-5% of all cases with musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB). Early diagnosis of TB of the elbow joint can be easily missed due to an indolent natural history, delay in presentation, and varied clinical features. Delay in diagnosis can lead to irreversible osteoarticular destruction and loss of joint function. Careful clinical assessment, adequate imaging, microbiological, and/or histopathological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is essential for early diagnosis of TB of the elbow joint. Judicious and early administration of anti-tubercular therapy can lead to preservation of the joint and a satisfactory functional outcome. Surgical intervention may be needed in later stages of the disease to achieve control of the infection, correction of deformity, instability, and restoration of function.

Arthroscopic treatment of Mycobacterium massiliense septic arthritis outbreak after intra-articular injection: A case-series report and literature review

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) comprise mycobacteria, with the exceptions of Mycobacterium (M.) leprae and the M. tuberculosis complex. Septic arthritis caused by NTM is so rare that there is no standardized treatment.Between April and September 2012, 27 patients were infected with M. massiliense in a single clinic following injection of steroid in the knee joint. Clinical data of 9 patients who received arthroscopic treatment in Seoul Hospital of Soonchunhyang University were analyzed retrospectively.Arthroscopic irrigation and debridement were performed average 2.6 times (1-3 times). As 6 out of 9 cases (67%) had joint contracture of the knee joint, arthroscopic adhesiolysis, and brisement were performed. After surgical procedures, Hospital for Special Surgery and Lysholm knee score showed improvement compared before the surgery, but a radiographic result evaluated by Kellgren-Lawrence revealed that 6 cases got deteriorated to stage 4 in the 4-year follow-up.NTM septic arthritis had a higher recurrence and a higher contracture incidence than septic arthritis caused by tuberculous mycobacteria or other bacteria. Treatment was possible with repeated arthroscopic debridement and intravenous antibiotics.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Unsuspected Tuberculosis of the Joint: A Report of Four Cases and a Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

To provide a case series and systematic review that explores the clinical manifestations, treatments, and methods for defining tuberculosis diagnoses in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

Four patients (three women, one man; average age, 59.5 ± 8.89 years; range, 48-69 years) underwent TKA and were subsequently treated for previously unsuspected knee tuberculosis between January 2013 and December 2019. We also reviewed published cases of tuberculous periprosthetic joint infections (TBPJIs) following TKA through databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. We reviewed studies that were published between January 1980 and December 2019.

RESULTS

In our four cases, the preoperative diagnoses were osteoarthritis (n = 2), rheumatoid arthritis (one case), and Charcot's arthropathy (one case). The main clinical manifestations were knee swelling and pain, without fever, weakness, or weight loss. Comorbidities included multiple joints with rheumatoid arthritis or Charcot's arthropathy, diabetes mellitus, and uremia. One patient had a history of lumbar tuberculosis treated with debridement and intervertebral fusion. Preoperative elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs) were detected in all cases, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were observed in three cases. The tuberculosis diagnoses were confirmed via histopathologic analysis (three cases) and second-generation sequencing (one case). Three patients received antituberculosis therapy for 1 year, without surgical intervention. Two-stage exchange arthroplasty was performed in one patient because of prosthesis loosening. Within an average follow-up period of 24.75 months, tuberculosis reactivation was not observed and overall functional improvement was demonstrated. Forty-four TBPJI cases were reported in the literature between January 1980 and December 2019. Most (59.09%) occurred within the first year after the index arthroplasty, and the diagnoses were confirmed by culturing Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 88.64% of cases. Favorable outcomes were achieved in 90.91% of the patients who did not undergo surgery, 71.43% of those treated with debridement, 93.33% undergoing revision arthroplasty, and in 90.91% of those undergoing resection and arthrodesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical manifestations of knee tuberculosis and TBPJI are atypical. Thus, attention should be paid to finding the causes of increased ESRs and CRP levels, particularly in patients with weakened immune functioning, before performing TKA. Pathological examination is an effective method for diagnosing tuberculosis, although sending multiple specimens for pathological examination is necessary.

Tuberculosis of the knee: A pitfalls in clinical settings (A case report and literature review)

•

We herein present a case of an unusual manifestation of knee tuberculosis. Its slowly progressive disease characteristics after being ignored for 5 years interest the authors to report this case report. Without doing arthoplasty, synovectomy followed by 1 year of anti-tuberculosis treatment give positive improvement of the patient where he can continue his job and daily activities as before he got the disease 5 years ago. Slight deformity resulted in muscle stiffness may be restorated after few months of physical rehabilitation.

•

Further monitoring is needed anually for assessing the long term complications of knee tuberculosis, including early secondary osteoarthritis.

•

The place of conducting the case report in Indonesia, mainly in Sumatera Utara. Thus, we hope that the manuscript fits the scope of International journal for Surgery Case Report. The article is original, unpublished, and not being considered for publication elsewhere.

Introduction

Tuberculosis of the knee is a rare form of diseases associated with tuberculosis that is frequently misdiagnosed as malignancy or bacterial infections. Its symptomatology might be identical to other conditions; thus finally turns the clinician misdiagnosed of the patient circumstances.

Presentation of the case

A 31-year-old male patient presented a unilateral knee swelling, reddish, warmth, pain, with a limited range of movement and then diagnosed with tuberculosis of the knee, histopathologically confirmed following surgical removal, including synovectomy without arthroplasty procedure. Furthermore, the patients underwent the administration of an anti-tuberculous drug regiment for a 1-year period. There was clinical improvement attained afterward after the prompt management since the initiation of therapy progressively.

Discussion

This case is unique due to the unspecific clinical manifestations of the disease, which contributed to delay diagnosis. Further, either the patients and his parents still had a lack of knowledge according to his condition. Opposite to the recent studies, there was an excellent outcome after simple surgical procedure, including synovectomy without arthroplasty followed by 1 year of anti-tuberculous drug.

Conclusion

Knee tuberculosis is a rare disease that often misdiagnosed as bacterial infections or malignancy. Mimicking clinical manifestations needs further surgical approach followed by histopathology examination to diagnose this disease. Early recognition and prompt treatment were crucially required to avoid the permanent limitation of movement that could affect the patient’s quality of life. In this case, a lack of knowledge of the patient and his family significantly contributes to the delayed diagnosis.

Tuberculous spondylitis after percutaneous vertebroplasty: A case series of 9 cases

Background

Percutaneous vertebroplasty has become the treatment of choice for compression fractures. Although the incidence is low, infection after vertebroplasty is a serious complication. The pathogens most often responsible for infection are bacteria. Meanwhile, mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced infection is extremely rare. In this study, we reported our treatment experience with 9 cases of tuberculous spondylitis after vertebroplasty.

Methods

Between January 2001 and December 2015, 5749 patients underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty in our department. Nine cases developed tuberculous spondylitis after vertebroplasty (0.16%). Data on clinical history, laboratory examinations, image, treatment and outcomes were examined.

Results

One male and 8 female patients with a mean age of 75.1 years developed tuberculous spondylitis after vertebroplasty. 5 patients had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Revision surgeries were performed from 5 days to 1124 days after vertebroplasty. Seven patients underwent anterior debridement and fusion with or without posterior instrumentation, and 2 cases received posterior decompression and instrumentation only. After operation, the diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis was confirmed by TB polymerase chain reaction (TB-PCR) or mycobacteria culture. Mean follow-up period after revision surgery was 36.8 months. At the end of follow-up, 1 patient with paraplegia had passed away, 2 needed a wheel chair, 4 required a walker and 2 were able to walk unassisted.

Conclusions

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure but still retains some possibility of complications, including TB infection. Patients with a history of pulmonary TB or any elevation of infection parameters should be reviewed carefully to avoid infective complications.

How Long Does Antimycobacterial Antibiotic-loaded Bone Cement Have In Vitro Activity for Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis?

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement is accepted as an effective treatment modality for musculoskeletal tuberculosis. However, comparative information regarding combinations and concentrations of second-line antimycobacterial drugs, such as streptomycin and amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, are lacking.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) In antibiotic-loaded cement, is there effective elution of streptomycin and Augmentin^® (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) individually and in combination? (2) What is the antibacterial activity duration for streptomycin- and amoxicillin and clavulanic acid -loaded cement?

METHODS

Six different types of bone cement discs were created by mixing 40 g bone cement with 1 or 2 g streptomycin only, 0.6 g or 1.2 g Augmentin^® (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) only, and a combination of 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanic acid and 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Five bone discs of each type were incubated in phosphate buffered saline for 30 days with renewal of the phosphate buffered saline every day. The quantity of streptomycin and/or amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in eluates were measured by a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system, and the antimycobacterial activity of eluates against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, were calculated by comparing the minimal inhibitory concentration of each eluate with that of tested drugs using broth dilution assay on microplate.

RESULTS

Streptomycin was detected in eluates for 30 days (in 1 g and 2 g discs), whereas 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate eluted until Day 7 and 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate until Day 3. All eluates in streptomycin-containing discs (streptomycin only, and in combination with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) had effective antimycobacterial activity for 30 days, while amoxicillin and clavulanate-only preparations were only active until Day 14. The antimycobacterial activity of eluates of 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate were higher than those of discs containing 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate until Day 3, without differences (Day 3, 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 17.5 ± 6.85 ug/mL; 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 32.5 ± 16.77 ug/mL; p = 0.109). After Day 7, however, values of the two combinations remained no different than that of Day 30 (Day 30, 1 g streptomycin plus 0.6 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 0.88 ± 0.34 ug/mL; 2 g streptomycin plus 1.2 g amoxicillin and clavulanate: 0.59 ± 0.94 ug/mL; p = 0.107).

CONCLUSIONS

Streptomycin, in the form of antibiotic-loaded bone cement, had effective elution characteristics and antimycobacterial effects during a 30-day period, whereas amoxicillin and clavulanate only had effective elution and antimycobacterial characteristics during the early period of this study. The two drugs did not interfere with each other during the elution test.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This research revealed that combinations of streptomycin and amoxicillin and clavulanate mixed with bone cement are effective for 30 days. Further trials to determine various different combinations of drugs are necessary to improve the effectiveness of treatments for musculoskeletal tuberculosis.

Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis

Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) accounts for approximately 10% of all extrapulmonary TB cases in the United States and is the third most common site of extrapulmonary TB after pleural and lymphatic disease. Vertebral involvement (tuberculous spondylitis, or Pott's disease) is the most common type of skeletal TB, accounting for about half of all cases of musculoskeletal TB. The presentation of musculoskeletal TB may be insidious over a long period and the diagnosis may be elusive and delayed, as TB may not be the initial consideration in the differential diagnosis. Concomitant pulmonary involvement may not be present, thus confusing the diagnosis even further. Early diagnosis of bone and joint disease is important to minimize the risk of deformity and enhance outcome. The introduction of newer imaging modalities, including MRI (imaging procedure of choice) and CT, has enhanced the diagnostic evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal TB and for directed biopsies of affected areas of the musculoskeletal system. Obtaining appropriate specimens for culture and other diagnostic tests is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis and recover M. tuberculosis for susceptibility testing. A total of 6 to 9 months of a rifampin-based regimen, like treatment of pulmonary TB, is recommended for the treatment of drug susceptible musculoskeletal disease. Randomized trials of tuberculous spondylitis have demonstrated that such regimens are efficacious. These data and those from the treatment of pulmonary TB have been extrapolated to form the basis of treatment regimen recommendations for other forms of musculoskeletal TB.

Total knee arthroplasty in advanced tuberculous arthritis of the knee

BACKGROUND

Controversies regarding the treatment of advanced tuberculosis of the knee still exist. We retrospectively investigated protocols of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and their efficacy in patients with advanced tuberculosis.

METHODS

Nine TKAs associated with advanced tuberculosis were performed at our institution between 2008 and 2013, with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years (range 2-7 years). In four cases with elevated inflammatory biomarkers, patients received three months of antitubercular drug treatment followed by two-stage TKA. In the remaining five cases with normal biomarkers, patients received one-stage TKA with no pre-operative drug therapy. All patients received antitubercular therapy for one year post-operatively. Clinical and radiological data during follow-up were gathered to evaluate the effects of treatment.

RESULTS

There was no tuberculosis reactivation and all cases demonstrated marked improvement in function and favorable states of prostheses. Specifically, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score increased from 44.8 (range 30-60) preoperatively to 82.7 (range 64-92) at last follow-up (P < 0.05). The average range of motion was 56° (range 10° to 90°) before surgery and 94° (range 80-110) at final follow-up (P < 0.05). Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels returned to normal in a mean of 4.0 months (range 3-5 months) and 3.9 months (range 3-6 months) post-operatively, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although a consensus of views regarding surgical timing, prosthesis selection, and peri-operative antitubercular therapy has not been reached, our results suggest that TKA can be performed for advanced tuberculous arthritis.

Knee arthrodesis using a unilateral external fixator combined with crossed cannulated screws for the treatment of end-stage tuberculosis of the knee

Background

The treatment of end-stage tuberculosis (TB) of the knee remains a significant clinical challenge, and clinical data are lacking. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the outcome of single-stage knee arthrodesis with a unilateral external fixator combined with cannulated screws for the treatment of end-stage TB.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with end-stage knee TB were treated by single-stage arthrodesis. All patients underwent open debridement and the insertion of a unilateral external fixator combined with crossed cannulated screws and received systemic antitubercular therapy. Clinical evaluations and radiographic analyses were performed after an average follow-up duration of 5.5 years.

Results

The mean time to radiographic bone fusion was 5.6 months. Primary full union was achieved in 25 patients (96.2 %) within 8 months, and the remaining patients achieved bone fusion at 14 months postoperatively. The mean post-operative alignment was 5.4° valgus and 12.5° flexion. The mean leg-length discrepancy was 2.8 cm. The mean VAS score improved from 67.3 before surgery to 16.2 at the last follow-up (P < 0.01), and the mean WOMAC score improved from 58.8 to 13.7 (P < 0.01). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein level returned to normal in 25 patients by 3 months postoperatively. No recurrence in the target knee was noted.

Conclusions

Single-stage arthrodesis with a unilateral external fixator combined with cannulated screws can be regarded as efficacious for the treatment of end-stage knee TB. Additional studies are necessary to confirm the findings of our study.

Total knee arthroplasty for the management of joint destruction in tuberculous arthritis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience to clarify the suggestion that there should be a significant disease-free interval before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to determine the correct timing of surgery for reconstruction of the joint destruction in patients suffering from tuberculous arthritis.

METHODS

Twelve patients with advanced joint destruction and tuberculous arthritis of the knee with recent onset were reviewed in this study. The time interval from our diagnosis of active infection to arthroplasty averaged 4 ± 1.5 months. Histopathology of the biopsy specimens revealing granulomatous lesions, including epithelioid histiocytes surrounded by lymphocytes, confirmed the diagnosis of each patient. A primary knee prosthesis was performed in seven knees. In five knees, there was severe bone loss after the extensive debridement of the entire joint, and thereafter, revision prosthesis was preferred to preserve the joint line. Patients were given post-operative antituberculous treatment for a total of 1 year, whereas for three patients, whose erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values remained above normal by the sixth month, the chemotherapy was continued for up to 18 months. The Knee Society TKA roentgenographic evaluation and scoring system was used for radiological evaluation of the knees. Clinical evaluation of the knees was done preoperatively and at the time of the most recent follow-up using the American Knee Society Scoring System.

RESULTS

Within the average follow-up period of 6.1 ± 1.8 years, no reactivation of tuberculous infection was found in any of the patients. ESR was normal, less than 20 mm/h, after a mean time of 5.5 ± 2.0 months. The CRP was normal, less than 0.8 mg/dl, after a mean time of 4.6 ± 1.3 months. At the most recent follow-up, the average knee score improved from 32.4 ± 19.4 to 83.4 ± 14.0 points (p < 0.05), and the average function score improved from 33.3 ± 11.9 to 86.6 ± 7.7 points (p < 0.05). Ten knees showed good integrity, and no radiolucent lines were found in the bone-prosthesis interface in relation to any component. Radiolucent lines were apparent on the tibial side in two knees. They were less than 1 mm thick and non-progressive, and clinically, there was no evidence of loosening of the component. Culture specimens were positive for five patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TKA is a safe procedure for tuberculous arthritis with recent onset providing symptomatic relief, functional improvement and early return to activity when performed in correct time. A long disease-free interval should not be a prerequisite for arthroplasty. Wide surgical debridement is the mainstay to eradicate the disease, and post-operative antituberculous chemotherapy controls the residual foci.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Prosthetic joint infection

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a tremendous burden for individual patients as well as the global health care industry. While a small minority of joint arthroplasties will become infected, appropriate recognition and management are critical to preserve or restore adequate function and prevent excess morbidity. In this review, we describe the reported risk factors for and clinical manifestations of PJI. We discuss the pathogenesis of PJI and the numerous microorganisms that can cause this devastating infection. The recently proposed consensus definitions of PJI and approaches to accurate diagnosis are reviewed in detail. An overview of the treatment and prevention of this challenging condition is provided.

Isoniazid could be used for antibiotic-loaded bone cement for musculoskeletal tuberculosis: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) has been used in serious cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis, but the type and amount of antibiotic that should be used in ALBC have not been determined.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore determined the (1) elution characteristics and (2) antimycobacterial activity of isoniazid- and rifampicin-loaded bone cement.

METHODS

A total of 240 elution samples of each of three discs from 40 g bone cement mixed with one of eight dosages: 1 g, 2 g, and 4 g isoniazid, 1 g, 2 g, and 4 g rifampicin, and a combination of 1 + 1 g or 2 + 2 g of isoniazid and rifampicin. The polymerization of rifampicin-loaded bone cement was delayed to mean 122.5 ± 31.1 minutes. We measured the quantity of isoniazid and rifampicin and the antimycobacterial activity on Days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30.

RESULTS

Isoniazid eluted in almost all the samples while rifampicin was detected only on Day 1 with 2 g (0.7 ± 0.4 ug/mL/day), and until Day 14 with 4 g (0.1 ± 0.0 ug/mL/day). Most of the samples containing isoniazid showed antimycobacterial activity while the samples containing rifampicin showed antimycobacterial activity only on Day 1 with 1 g (0.52 ± 0.18 ug/mL), until Day 14 with 2 g (0.03 ± 0.00 ug/mL), and until Day 30 with 4 g (1.84 ± 1.90 ug/mL).

CONCLUSION

Rifampicin was unsuitable for ALBC because of its delayed polymerization. Isoniazid eluted and showed antimycobacterial activity for 30 days.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The data suggest isoniazid could be considered for use in ALBC for musculoskeletal tuberculosis if used with systemic treatment. For preventing resistance and systemic toxicity, a combination with a second-line drug and an in vivo study would be needed.

Total hip replacement in active advanced tuberculous arthritis

We describe the results of cemented total hip replacement in 23 patients (23 hips) with active tuberculous arthritis of the hip with a mean follow-up of 4.7 years (4 to 7). In two patients the diagnosis was proved by pre-operative biopsy, whereas all others were diagnosed on a clinicoradiological basis with confirmation obtained by histopathological examination and polymerase chain reaction of tissue samples taken at the time of surgery. All patients received chemotherapy for at least three months before surgery and treatment was continued for a total of 18 months. Post-operative dislocation occurred in one patient and was managed successfully by closed reduction. No reactivation of the infection or loosening of the implant was recorded and function of the hip improved in all patients. Total hip replacement in the presence of active tuberculous arthritis of the hip is a safe procedure when pre-operative chemotherapy is commenced and continued for an extended period after operation.

Disseminated tuberculosis following total knee arthroplasty in an HIV patient

Skeletal tuberculosis is now uncommon in developed countries. In immunocompromised patients--particularly in the HIV-infected--who present with subacute or chronic joint pain refractory to conventional treatment, osteoarticular tuberculosis should still be included in the differential diagnosis. We report on a lethal case of disseminated tuberculosis in an HIV-infected subject. Dissemination may have resulted from the implantation of an articular prosthesis in a knee joint with unsuspected osteoarticular tuberculosis. The diagnosis was established months later when the patient presented with far-advanced tuberculous meningitis, miliary tuberculosis of the lungs, femoral osteomyelitis and extended cold abscesses along the femoral shaft. Failure to respond to a conventional four-drug regimen is explained by the resistance pattern of his multi-drug resistant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which was only reported after the patient's death. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges of osteoarticular tuberculosis and the consequences of a diagnostic delay in an HIV-infected individual.

Tuberculosis infection complicating total knee arthroplasty: report of 3 cases and review of the literature

The incidence of osteoarticular tuberculosis in the knee and other joints is increasing. Three cases of active tuberculous infection in the presence of a total knee prosthesis are presented. The pathology was not diagnosed until the prosthesis had been removed in 2 patients. They underwent antituberculous therapy and revision arthroplasty. In the third patient, the diagnosis was made early. Antituberculous therapy was begun immediately, and the original prosthesis was retained. Good long-term results were achieved in all 3 cases.

Candidal prosthetic hip infection in a patient with previous candidal septic arthritis

We describe the case of a patient with chronic monocytic leukemia who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) for hip arthrosis. The patient has a history of Candida albicans arthritis of the same joint 5 months before THA surgery. Seven months after the prosthetic joint surgery, the patient developed a C albicans prosthetic infection that was successfully treated with amphotericin B and prosthesis removal. At surgery, the patient was believed cured of the candidal infection. Risk of infection after prosthetic joint surgery in patients with previous fungal joint infections has not been fully investigated. A lengthy infection-free follow-up period is probably necessary but may not be sufficient to prevent the occurrence of postoperative infections in these patients.

A two-stage approach to primary knee arthroplasty in the infected arthritic knee

Fourteen patients with either septic knee arthritis or osteomyelitis of the knee with marked joint destruction were treated by resection arthroplasty with the introduction of an antibiotic cement spacer block, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and subsequent primary total knee arthroplasty. Most patients with septic arthritis had chronic infection. Eight patients had positive cultures preoperatively; the remaining patients had either a culture negative purulent aspiration or diagnostic radiographic studies. All patients underwent reconstruction with primary total knee arthroplasty on an average of 3.1 months after the initial stage procedure. Knee Society scores progressed from 46 preoperatively to 89 postoperatively, with an average range of motion from 3 degrees to 105 degrees. At latest clinical follow-up (average, 4.5 years), no patients had recurrence of infection. These data suggest that this method is successful in treating chronically infected knees with a 2-staged arthroplasty.