Septic arthritis of the hip joint - Differential diagnosis and report of acase

Secondary haematogenous joint involvement is seen in less than 1 % of patie nts with Salmonella infections. These atypical infections are frequently en couraged by pre-existing local or systemic disease. We present a case of a patient with known alcohol abuse who developed a septic infection of her ri ght hip requiring resection of the femoral head. Histologic analysis showed signs of pre-existing osteonecrosis probably induced by alcohol intake. Ca rtilage and bone were invaded and destructed by an aggressive granulation t issue. Initially, a biopsy evaluated without knowledge of the positive bact eriological result had been interpreted as indicative of a tumour. The onse t, clinical course, diagnosis and therapy of joint involvement by Salmonell a are discussed with regard to our case and the relevant literature. This c ase illustrates the necessity for clinicians to share all their information about the patient with the pathologist.