Artritis séptica en articulación metacarpofalángica por mordedura de gato. Reporte de caso

Abstract

Background: Septic arthritis occurs within the joint space, causing its deterioration due to the colonization of some pyogenic microorganisms. According to Sánchez MG et al., this pathology has an incidence of 2 to 10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and due to the severity of the septic arthritis, it must be treated immediately to avoid irreversible complications in the joint.

Case description: A 24-year-old male patient came to the clinic due to edema, erythema, pain, and functional loss of a large part of the hand after a cat bite on his right hand. Further tests were performed where a significant increase in acute phase reactants was evident, and hospitalization was decided due to a diagnosis of septic arthritis. An arthrotomy with capsulotomy of the second metacarpophalangeal joint of the right hand was performed, seropurulent fluid was observed, and a sample was taken for bacterial culture, which tested positive for Pasteurella multocida. The patient received treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid antibiotics, improving the clinical condition.

Conclusion: Septic arthritis is a joint cavity condition produced by a pathogenic microorganism causing damage to the joint. Thus, it is considered a medical emergency, and if there is suspicion of this condition, surgical cleaning and assessment should be performed immediately, as well as sampling for bacterial culture, identifying the causal agent of the infection, and administering timely antibiotic therapy.