Arthroscopic Treatment for Septic Arthritis of the Shoulders in Neonates: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Septic arthritis in neonates is a rare condition. A failure to make an early diagnosis of septic arthritis in neonates may leave a permanent disability as a result of a delayed treatment. Thus, septic arthritis, requires a prompt diagnosis and a timely treatment especially in this subset of patients. In this case report, we describe our treatment protocol for septic arthritis and concurrent osteomyelitis in the right shoulder of a 28-day-old newborn. Using 2.4 mm wrist arthroscopy, we performed an arthroscopic irrigation and drainage, to remove intra-articular debris and inflammatory tissue, and multiple drilling. We report a satisfactory clinical outcome without any postoperative complications or side effects.