A Misdiagnosed Complication of a Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract EN

Introduction.

The enterobacterial genus Yersinia includes a number of human pathogens.

Large-diameter, metal-on-metal prostheses are no longer used because of their high failure rate.

Here, we describe the first case of Yersinia enterocolitica infection of a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

Clinical Examination.

A metal-on-metal prosthesis failed ten years after implantation.

After surgical revision, bacteriological testing revealed the presence of a pathogenic strain of Yersinia enterocolitica.

Combination antibiotic therapy resulted in a favorable clinical outcome.

Discussion.

Three cases of hip arthroplasty infected with Yersinia enterocolitica have been described in the literature.

The present case is the first infection of a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty.

We suggest that the risk of infection is increased by the release of metal wear particles and their influence on the surrounding tissue.

Conclusion.

When a large-diameter, metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty fails, the known complications associated with this type of prosthesis should not deter the physician from screening for an infectious process that requires specific treatment.