An Upper-Arm Clostridium perfringens Fracture-Related Infection

Case: A 64-year-old male patient sustained a fracture of the humeral diaphysis on falling from a bicycle. During surgery, pus drainage from the intramedullary canal indicated infection, and cultures were positive for pansensitive Clostridium perfringens . After initial stabilization, imaging showed inadequate fragment contact, leading to referral to our bone infection unit. A revision surgery with plate osteosynthesis was performed. Intravenous and oral antibiotic therapy was administered. Oral antibiotics were continued until 12 weeks postoperatively. At the 26-month follow-up, the patient presented with a good functional outcome. Conclusion: Fracture-related infections (FRI) pose serious complications, requiring swift surgical intervention. Although C. perfringens infections in FRIs are rare and literature is scarce, this case highlights the successful management and good functional outcome, offering valuable insights for clinicians dealing with such infections.