Recurrent infection of a total hip arthroplasty associated with radiation-induced ulcerative colitis. A case report.

A case of recurrent sequential infections of a total hip implant in a patient with active radiation colitis is presented. The infections involve two distinctly different organisms, both of normal bowel flora. Though not recognized with orthopaedic implants, cases of bacteremic seeding with bowel flora to prosthetic implants such as heart valves have been reported. Treatment of this patient and the implications regarding management of patients with active bowel disease who plan to have hip arthroplasty are discussed.