Clostridial septic arthritis: case report and review of the literature.

We describe a patient who had septic arthritis caused by Clostridium perfringens. Clostridial organisms are very uncommon causes of septic arthritis. Only 13 cases have been reported previously. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with a history of penetrating joint trauma and in immunocompromised patients. Successful treatment has usually consisted of surgical synovectomy in combination with high-dose intravenous penicillin therapy. Multiple aspirations of affected joints as a definitive treatment should be used with caution and only in patients who are not candidates for surgery.