A 51-year-old man with polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 10 years, which had required three total joint replacements, presented in a generally good condition for replacement of the left elbow joint, which was swollen and had reduced movement.
The postoperative condition was without complication until the 7th day when arthritic signs set in, interpreted as part of the underlying disease, and cortisone was administered. After microbiological tests had been done and the patient's general state had deteriorated, antibiotic treatment with flucloxacillin and gentamycin as well as local irrigation and suction-drainage of all involved joints was started. Granulocyte and monocyte functions were analysed. Staphylococcal isolates from the patient induced reduced "respiratory burst" activity of the neutrophil granulocytes, apparently the cause of the septic dissemination. He was discharged on the 32. postoperative day, to be followed-up as an out-patient.
Both adequate antibiotic administration and, especially, thorough local reduction of pathogens are needed for efficacious treatment. Rapid restoration of granulocyte function and of the "immunocompetence" of monocytes within normal limits are part of the reason for a good therapeutic response. This indicates the need for up-to-date preoperative immunological diagnosis in patients with suppressed immunity to assess the risk of infection and thus plan elective intervention.