Hip arthritis in brucellosis: a study of 33 cases in the Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)

Abstract

Prospectively were studied clinical characteristics, diagnostic tools and outcome in 33 patients with hip arthritis during brucellosis that were treated at the clinic for infectious diseases in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Thirty-six hip involvements were noted. The patient's age was mean (SD) 23.7 (19.9) years, 18 were male. Twenty-one of them acquired the disease through direct contact with infected animals. In five patients, hip arthritis was the unique manifestation of the disease. Concomitant affection of other osteoarticular localisation was found in 18 patients. The diagnosis of hip arthritis was achieved using radionuclide bone scan and ultrasound examination in 17 and 16 cases, respectively. During the follow-up period, six relapses, three therapeutic failures and one sequela were noted. Brucellar aetiology should be considered in all patients from endemic areas, who have manifest symptoms of hip joint involvement.