Propionibacterium acnes infections in shoulder surgery

Orthop Clin North Am. 2014 Oct;45(4):515-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2014.06.004. Epub 2014 Jul 11.

Abstract

Perioperative shoulder infections involving Propionibacterium acnes can be difficult to identify in a patient who presents with little more than pain and stiffness in the postoperative period. Although indolent in its growth and presentation, infection of the shoulder with P acnes can have devastating effects, including failure of the surgical intervention. This article reviews the importance of a comprehensive physical, radiologic, and laboratory evaluation, and discusses appropriate preventive and treatment strategies for P acnes infections of the shoulder.

Keywords: Infection; Propionibacterium acnes; Revision surgery; Shoulder joint.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / diagnosis
  • Joint Diseases / therapy*
  • Propionibacterium acnes*
  • Shoulder / surgery*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis
  • Surgical Wound Infection / therapy*