Mycobacterium xenopi arthritis and osteomyelitis of the ankle joint in a patient with psoriasic rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium xenopi is an uncommon cause of osteoarticular sepsis. However, a recent series of M.xenopi spondylodiscitis emphasizes the potential risk after invasive procedures. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old woman was followed for psoriasic rheumatoid arthritis. She had undergone several exploratory procedures including arthroscopy of the left ankle for invalidating joint disease. In 1999, M.xenopi arthritis and osteomyelitis was diagnosis in this joint. DISCUSSION: Sterilization and maintenance of surgical instruments must abide by rigorously controlled strict protocols. The benefit/risk ratio of invasive procedures in debilitated joints should be more precisely evaluated. Specific and repeated sample cultures should be performed to search for mycobacteria in all bone and joint infections, particularly in case of prior invasive procedures.