[Primary meningococcal arthritis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. One of the many manifestations of meningococcal disease].

A case of primary meningococcal arthritis in the left hip of a nineteen year-old female is described. The diagnosis was based on microscopical detection of Gram-negative diplococci and a positive meningococcal antibody-test. Treatment with benzylpenicilline and drainage was instituted. Although she was soon asymptomatic, the X-ray examination showed a slight destruction of the hip joint. One and a half years later the X-ray findings were normal. Attention is directed to the broad clinical spectrum of meningococcal disease.