Septic arthritis of the shoulder in a dental patient - A case report and review

Authors

Elana Dolin DMDFollow
Leigh D. Perlmutter DMDFollow
Stuart L. Segelnick DDS, New York University College of DentistryFollow
Mea A. Weinberg DMD, New York University College of DentistryFollow
Robert Schoor DDS, New York University College of Dentistry

Document Type

Article

Original Publisher or Platform

N Y State Dent J

Original Publication Date

4-2014

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the glenohumoral joint is rare following dental procedures, comprising approximately 3% of all joint infections. Septic arthritis following bacteremia from dental procedures is uncommon and generally occurs in prosthetic joints. Predisposing causes may include immunocompromising diseases such as diabetes, HIV infection, renal failure and intravenous drug abuse. We report a rare case of unilateral glenohumoral joint septic arthritis in a 60-year-old male patient (without a prosthetic joint) secondary to a dental procedure. The insidious nature of the presentation is highlighted. Septic arthritis infections, though rare, require a high level of clinical suspicion. Vague symptoms of shoulder pain may mask the initial diagnosis, as was the case in our patient. Incision and drainage via surgical intervention are often required, followed by par enteral antibiotics

Comments

Final version approved for deposit by NYDA

Recommended Citation

Dolin, Elana DMD; Perlmutter, Leigh D. DMD; Segelnick, Stuart L. DDS; Weinberg, Mea A. DMD; and Schoor, Robert DDS, "Septic arthritis of the shoulder in a dental patient - A case report and review" (2014). Individual Scholarship. 7.
https://commons.ada.org/individualscholarship/7