Detecting late infected hip prosthesis via ultrasonography: A case report

Abstract

The case of a 64 year old female, who has had a septic prosthesis, is presented. She came to the Accident and Emergency Department complaining of a right hip pain after a minimal injury. She referred a right hip fracture ten years ago, treated with a hemi-arthroplasty having no problem ever since. The past medical history was clear. Roentgenograms were negative for fracture or gross loosening. She was sent home. After a couple of days the pain insisted and she has had a computed tomography scan which showed a hematoma. The symptoms worsened and then she underwent an ultrasound examination which revealed a large fluid collection and a snowstorm appearance around the prosthesis. The ultrasound findings and the elevated CRP set the diagnosis of a septic prosthesis. The operation confirmed these findings and a large amount of pus evacuated. The Orthopaedic hardware was removed as well.