Résumé
PURPOSE: This study is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic treatment for an acutely infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to determine the protocol for a successful arthroscopic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 16 cases of acutely infected TKA treated at this institution, 7 cases treated with arthroscopic debridement were retrospectively reviewed. The indication for arthroscopic debridement was patients with a radiographically stable prosthesis and within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. The necessity and method of the secondary procedures were determined using a follow up of the C-reactve protein (CRP) test and physical examination after the primary arthroscopic debridment. Successful treatment was defined as no recurrence or no re-operation by the final follow-up. RESULTS: All 7 cases were treated with a retention of the prosthesis. 3 cases were treated successfully with primary arthroscopic debridement only. Three cases were treated with open debridement after primary arthroscopic debridement. One case was treated with repeated arthroscopic debridement after primary arthroscopic debridement. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic debridement is an effective treatment option for an acutely infected TKA within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. A careful CRP follow up is suggested as the critical index to determine the secondary procedure for successful treatment of an acutely infected TKA by arthroscopic debridement.