Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder in Pregnancy A Rare but Critical Complication After Minor Injury

Introduction:
Septic arthritis during pregnancy is an uncommon but serious condition that can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. In this case, a 37-year-old pregnant woman developed septic arthritis of the shoulder following a minor hand injury. This rare occurrence underscores the importance of early diagnosis and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team in managing joint infections during pregnancy. For more groundbreaking research in this field, visit https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com

• The Case of Septic Arthritis During Pregnancy
  Septic arthritis of the shoulder joint is rare and presents a unique challenge in pregnancy due to the potential risks to both the mother and fetus. In this case, the patient presented with acute left shoulder pain, fever, and limited joint movement after sustaining minor trauma to her left palm. Her medical history included a left mastectomy with axillary clearance, which is a known risk factor for infections.
• Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
  Upon examination, the patient exhibited signs of infection, including redness, swelling, and a hot joint. Blood tests showed elevated inflammatory markers, indicating an infection. Prompt diagnosis through joint aspiration revealed the presence of Staphylococcus hominis, and the patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Surgical Intervention and Recovery
  An arthroscopic washout of the shoulder joint was performed, successfully draining approximately 40 ml of pus. The patient’s condition improved rapidly, and she was discharged after a short recovery period.
• Key Takeaways:
  • Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential for positive outcomes.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration between obstetricians, orthopedists, and infectious disease specialists is crucial.
  • Patients with a history of mastectomy and axillary clearance may have an increased risk of infections.

Integration of External Medical Sources:
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, bacterial sepsis in pregnancy remains a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and prompt management of infections, including septic arthritis, can prevent serious complications like septicemia and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Further Reading and Resources
Read the full study at https://doi.com/10.29328/journal.cjog.1001010. For more related research, explore our journal articles at https://www.obstetricgynecoljournal.com/.

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