First report of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis complicating acupuncture: simple procedure resulting in most devastating outcome

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2009 Jan;63(1):92-5. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2008.08.023. Epub 2008 Nov 5.

Abstract

We report the 1st case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) septic arthritis after acupuncture, with articular cartilage destruction and chronic osteomyelitis. The patient responded to arthrotomy, synovectomy, and 6 months of antibiotics. The emergence of community-associated MRSA infections would further aggravate the problem. Strict adherence to proper infection control guidelines is mandatory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Analgesia / adverse effects*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Infectious / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Infectious / etiology*
  • Arthritis, Infectious / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee / microbiology*
  • Knee / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Middle Aged
  • Ofloxacin / therapeutic use
  • Synovitis / etiology
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vancomycin
  • Ofloxacin