Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder After SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer Vaccination

Dustin H. Massel, Sagie Haziza, Sebastian Rivera, Neil Mohile, Ty K. Subhawong, Victor H. Hernandez

2021JBJS Case Connector20 citationsDOI

Abstract

CASE: We report a case of a 68-year-old woman who developed left shoulder glenohumeral joint septic arthritis within 1 week of receiving the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. CONCLUSION: Common vaccine complications include injection site pain, fever, chills, arthralgia, and hypersensitivity reactions. A less common and more serious complication of septic arthritis has been reported and requires invasive treatment of surgical irrigation and debridement, and culture-specific parenteral antibiotic therapy. The current report highlights the clinical presentation and significant potential for serious complication with the improper technique. We urge vaccine administrators to practice caution and aseptic technique when vaccinating patients to reduce the risk of complication and morbidity.

Topics & Concepts

Septic arthritisMedicineVaccinationSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)ArthritisCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Virology2019-20 coronavirus outbreakImmunologyInternal medicineOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseIntramuscular injections and effectsOrthopedic Infections and TreatmentsHeparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis