Melioidotic Septic Arthritis Treated with Arthroscopic Debridement: A Case Report

Melioidotic septic arthritis may follow infection by Burkholderia pseudomallei. An epidemic of melioidosis was reported in the summer of 2005, in the southern Taiwan following a typhoon. Herein, we report on a case of melioidotic septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, the affected 68-years-old male patient revealing a history of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and DM (Diabetes mellitus). This patient suffered from fever and respiratory failure, the latter receiving treatment incorporating intubation. Further, lower-back pain and left-knee swelling was noted. Subsequent to being treated with both imipenem and tetracycline, the ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) improved and the patient's condition become stabilized. At this stage, we treated the infected arthritis by arthroscopic debridement and irrigation. Following surgical debridement and drainage, the symptoms and signs of arthritis have improved.