Rapidly progressive femoral head necrosis due to post-traumatic Brucella hip infection: a case report

Abstract

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic infectious disease worldwide that can affect almost all organs in the human body. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head has numerous possible causes. Patients usually experience movement disorders, severe pain, and an extremely high disability rate. We herein describe a 32-year-old male farmer living in Shanxi, China who accidentally injured his right hip while working. After 1 month of rest, the pain in the right hip was relieved, and the patient began to walk again. However, after 2 months of walking, he developed aggravated pain and claudication in the right lower limb. Examination revealed shortening of the right lower limb. We carried out a comprehensive and systematic examination and performed total hip arthroplasty. Hip trauma with Brucella infection may progress to osteonecrosis of the femoral head in a short period of time without typical symptoms of Brucella infection. Systematic examination and treatment should be performed at an early stage to prevent the eventual deterioration of the disease and serious complications that are difficult to treat.