Application of Metagenomic High-Throughput Sequencing in a Rare Case of Multisite Infection With Two Microorganisms After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Postoperative deep infection is usually identified by microbial culture. However, frequent false-negative results have severely limited effective treatment. We report a rare case of intra-articular and paravertebral infection after total knee arthroplasty caused by Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum , with multiple negative microbial culture results. Eventually, the pathogens were identified using metagenomic high-throughput sequencing, and the patient was successfully treated with several “old” antibiotics. We analyze the clinical characteristics of this patient and systematically describe the application of high-throughput sequencing and antibiotics. [ Orthopedics . 2024;47(1):e52–e56.]