A rare cause of wound infection after an open fracture: Shewanella putrefaciens

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Feb 15:2013:bcr2012008537. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-008537.

Abstract

An elderly gentleman presented with an open fracture of the calcaneum and ankle, following a boating accident. Despite treatment with repeated surgical debridement, delayed closure, prolonged antibiotics and strict adherence to national guidelines on the management of open fractures, he developed a wound infection with a rare organism, Shewanella putrefaciens, that appears to be increasing in prevalence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Ankle Injuries / complications*
  • Ankle Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Injuries / surgery
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcaneus / injuries*
  • Debridement / methods
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Open / complications*
  • Fractures, Open / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Open / surgery
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / etiology*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Shewanella putrefaciens / isolation & purification*
  • Wound Infection / etiology*
  • Wound Infection / microbiology
  • Wound Infection / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents