Risk of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection in elective total hip and knee arthroplasty following eradication therapy.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication requiring prolonged treatment and multiple operations, leading to significant morbidity for the patient. Patients are routinely tested for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation. MRSA positive patients are given eradication therapy. We hypothesise that patients who are MRSA positive pre-operatively, have increased risk of developing PJI. AIM: To identify deep wound infection (PJI) rates in patients who are colonised MRSA positive compared with those who are not colonised; and long term clinical and radiological outcomes. METHODS: All patients who underwent total hip and knee replacements (THR/TKR) between December 2009 and December 2019 were identified. Patients who were also identified as being MRSA positive at pre-operative assessment were then selected. Confirmation of prescribing eradication treatment was recorded. Patient records, including consultation letters, operation notes and microbiology results were reviewed retrospectively. Comparison of outcomes for each MRSA positive patient was made with 2 MRSA negative patients undergoing the same operation of a similar age by the same consultant. RESULTS: Screening identified 42 knee and 32 hip arthroplasty patients as MRSA positive, 84 MRSA negative knee and 64 hip patients were reviewed. Patients were matched with medical co-morbidities in each group. Mean follow up was 5 years. PJI was identified in 4/32 (12.5%) of THR MRSA positive and 3/42 (7%) of TKR patients. All patients had PJI within one year of surgery. CONCLUSION: MRSA positive patients are given eradication therapy routinely. However, no confirmation of eradication is sought. Patients who have MRSA colonisation pre-operatively, in our study had a significantly increased risk of PJI, when compared to negative patients. We would recommend establishing true eradication after treatment prior to arthroplasty.

A Traumatic Bilateral Anterolateral Compartment Syndrome and Subsequent small Bowel Obstruction in a Patient with Schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: A traumatic bilateral compartment syndrome is not widely reported. There is usually a precipitating event to cause compartment syndrome for example open and closed fractures, plaster of Paris application, burns and post-ischaemia reperfusion injury. This case confirms the need for a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome in a patient presenting with bilateral leg pain, swelling and erythema as early diagnosis and urgent decompression by fasciotomy is of vital importance to preserve limb function and avoid complications. CASE REPORT: We wish to report the case of atraumatic bilateral anterolateral compartment syndrome in a 58-year-old Caucasian man with a medical history of schizophrenia. He presented to Accident and Emergency with bilateral leg pain, swelling and erythema with no preceding history of trauma. Initially he was treated for bilateral lower leg cellulitis with a late diagnosis of compartment syndrome. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the need for a broad differential diagnosis.