Septic arthritis of the ankle due to Citrobacter koseri: a case report

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the ankle after arthroscopy represents a rare but serious condition. Specifically, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports for septic arthritis of the ankle caused by Citrobacter Koseri. A 42-year-old man, otherwise healthy, presented to our consultation with ankle pain and the MRI revealed compatible with intra-articular body’s compatible with osteochondromatosis. The patient underwent anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy and four weeks after surgery, he presented to our consultation with wound dehiscence of the previously healed anterolateral portal. Following the diagnostic work-up, he was submitted to arthroscopic irrigation and debridement. Citrobacter Koseri was isolated. After surgical intervention and antibiotic administration, the patient’s symptoms gradually improved. Six months later, the patient had no ankle pain or restriction of ankle motion. Clinical symptoms of septic arthritis after ankle arthroscopy can be very mild and for that reason a low threshold for its diagnosis is necessary.