Infections after shoulder arthroplasty are correlated with higher anesthetic risk score: a case-control study in Brazil

ABSTRACT Purposes: Shoulder arthroplasty (SA) has been performed by many years for the treatment of several conditions, including osteoarthritis and proximal humeral fractures following trauma. Surgical site infection (SSI) following Shoulder arthroplasty remains a challenge, contributing to increased morbidity and costs. Identification of risk factors may help implementing adequate strategies to prevent infection. We aimed to identify pre- and intra-operative risk factors associated with deep infections after Shoulder arthroplasty. Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted to describe the prevalence, clinical and microbiological findings, and to evaluate patient and surgical risk factors for prosthetic shoulder infection (PSI), among 158 patients who underwent SA due to any reason, at a tertiary public university institution. Risk factors for PSI was assessed by uni- and multivariate analyses using multiple logistic regression. Results: 168 SA from 158 patients were analyzed, with an overall infection rate of 9.5% (16/168 cases). Subjects undergoing SA with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade III or higher (odds ratio [OR] = 5.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58-17.79, p < 0.013) and presenting local hematoma after surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 7.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-46.09, p = 0.04) had higher risk for PSI on univariate analysis. However, only ASA score grade III or higher remained significant on multivariate analysis (OR = 4.74, 95% CI = 1.33-16.92, p = 0.016). Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli were equally isolated in 50% of cases; however, the most commonly detected bacterium was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.7%). Conclusion: This study provides evidence suggesting that patient-related known factors such as higher ASA score predisposes to shoulder arthroplasty-associated infection. Furthermore, unusual pathogens associated with PSI were identified.

Candida Septic Arthritis with Rice Body Formation: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Rice body formation in a joint or bursa is a rare condition, and is usually associated with rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculous arthritis. Here we describe a case of multiple rice body formation in a shoulder joint and in adjacent bursae, which was confirmed to be due to septic arthritis by Candida species. To the best of our knowledge, rice body formation in Candida septic arthritis in an immune-competent patient has not been previously reported.

Tuberculosis of the shoulder: an unusual presentation

There is a recent increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal tuberculosis, especially among the homeless, the immigrant population, the immunocompromised and also due to emerging multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Osteoarticular tuberculosis poses a diagnostic dilemma to the clinician. Advanced disease closely mimics other granulomatous diseases, infections and even malignancy. Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis of tuberculous infection in the extra-axial skeleton leads to progressive joint deformity and destruction. Radiological imaging while not being specific, can map the extent of the disease to arrive at the earliest possible diagnosis. In this report, we present the unusual radiological findings of tuberculous infection of the shoulder