Figure Legend: Infection of implants may
arise late due to hematogenous seeding from distant infection. This patient
with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressive therapy developed
a plantar abscess following an unrecognized injury (left). She presented
with infection of a long-standing functioning index metacarpophalangeal
silastic joint spacer (middle). Organisms cultured from the site
(right) were the same as those present in the foot. Implant infection is
more likely when there is a permanent space where motion occurs adjacent
to the implant, as is the case with silicone rubber joint replacements.
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