Late infection of total knee arthroplasty inflamed by anti-TNFα, Infliximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

We report a case of sudden onset of late infection after TKA inflamed by anti-TNFα therapy, Infliximab, in a 54-year-old woman with RA. Infliximab therapy was started 3 years and 8 months after TKAs as a result of multiple arthritides showing high inflammation of RA. One week after the third administration of Infliximab, the patient suffered sudden knee pain and infectious clinical symptoms, and bacteria (MSSA) were detected by joint effusion culture. She was successfully treated by open debridement with antibiotics-loaded calcium phosphate bone paste and cement and the prostheses were retained. Early diagnosis and operative treatment might be the key to controlling infected TKA without removing the implant. This present case might indicate a serious risk of immunosuppressive effects caused by Infliximab.