Limb-saving Knee Arthrodesis with a Silver-coated Arthrodesis Rod in a Patient with Aspergillus Osteomyelitis of the Knee

Abstract

Aspergillus osteomyelitis can be a very debilitating disease with an associated mortality of up to 25%. Silver is well known for its broad antimicrobial properties including activity against fungi and the coating of orthopaedic implants with silver has been reported to be successful in complex cases. We report for the first time on a complicated case of Aspergillus osteomyelitis affecting the left knee in a patient with a chronic lymphoid leukaemia treated with appropriate surgical debridement, local and systemic antibiotic and antimycotic therapy, as well as staged surgical treatment with final limb-saving arthrodesis by using a custom-made microsilver coated arthrodesis rod.

Topics & Concepts