This paper could not be resubmitted: The paper was initially presented at the BHS and they have already published it in the JBJS Supplement.

Introduction: MRSA spondylodiscitis is an increasingly common phenomenon. Despite this there is very little reported on it.

Objectives: Our objective was to present relevant demographics, clinical presentations and outcomes for this condition from our institution.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients presenting over a six year period from 2000 to 2005.

Results: 13 cases were identified. The mean age was 65 years (range 36–92), 85% were male. All cases presented with back pain, spinal tenderness and systemic upset. Neurological deficit was present initially in 38% and a further 8% developed neurological deterioration during treatment. The thoracic spine (53%) was most commonly affected followed by the lumbar (33%), thoracolumbar junction (7%) and cervical spine (7%); 16% of cases were multilevel. The WCC, ESR and CRP were elevated in all cases with means of 17.3 ×10-9/L, 102 mm/hr and 236 mg/L respectively. In cases cured of infection, the WCC, ESR and CRP normalised at a mean of 10 weeks, 14 weeks and 19 weeks respectively. Radiological diagnosis was established with MRI in all cases. The most common risk factors were diabetes mellitus (62%), mal-nourishment (54%), cirrhosis (31%), end stage renal failure (15%) and intravenous drug use (15%). Multiple risk factors were present in 76% of cases and 15% had no identifiable risk factors. The main sources of sepsis were intravenous catheters (23%), urinary tract (15%) and intravenous drug use (15%). In cases cured of infection treatment consisted of intravenous vancomycin mono-therapy for a mean period of four weeks followed by oral combination or monotherapy antimicrobials for a mean period of 8 weeks. Operative intervention was required in 38% of cases. At six months 54% of cases were clinically free of infection, 38% had died and 8% required ongoing treatment. Neurological deficit was present in 50% of survivors. At one year 29% of survivors suffered from MRSA bacteraemia and spondylodiscitis recurrence.

Conclusion: This is a devastating condition. Clinical suspicion should remain high and prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Introduction: Septic arthritis of the hip is an Orthopaedic emergency. While common in the paediatric population, it is rare in adults and little is reported on it.

Methods: Retrospective review of cases presenting to Leeds General Infirmary, St James’s University Hospital & York District Hospital over a fourteen year period from 1991–2005.

Results: 46 cases identified. The mean age was 43 years and 80% (37/46) of cases were male. Risk factors for sepsis were present in 87% (40/46) and consisted of IVDU in 48% (22/46), DM in 20% (9/46), liver disease in 22% (10/46) and immunosuppressive drugs in 17% (8/46). Rheumatic joint disease was present in 28% (13/46) consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthropathy in 13% (6/46), 9% (4/46) and 7% (3/46) respectively. The primary sources of sepsis were IVDU in 48% (22/46), unknown in 39% (18/46), line sepsis in 11% (5/46) and psoas abscess in 2% (1/46). All cases presented with the triad of groin pain, constitutional upset and difficulty or inability to weight bear. Examination revealed pyrexia in 57% (26/46) and a painfully decreased range of joint motion in all cases. Laboratory tests revealed a raised white cell count in 57% (34/46) and raised CRP’s and ESR’s in all cases. The most commonly isolated organism was staphylococcus aureus 78% (36/46). Medical treatment consisted of antimicrobial therapy for a mean length of 49 days. Surgical treatment consisted of a mean of 1.8 arthrotomies or arthroscopic hip washouts and debridements in consenting cases- 89% (41/46). Two stage total hip arthroplasty for symptom control was required in 4% (2/46). Outcomes were good with sepsis related mortality of 4% (2/46) and local recurrence of 9% (4/44).

Discussion: Septic arthritis of the hip is a potentially serious condition. Timely medical and surgical intervention can lead to good outcomes.