The Efficacy of Arthroscopic Debridement with Continuous Irrigation in Failed Arthroscopic Debridement for Septic Arthritis of the Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement with continuous irrigation in patients with septic arthritis of the knee after failed primary arthroscopic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 69 patients undergoing arthroscopic debridement for septic arthritis of the knee from March 2008 to March 2013, 14 patients (5 male, 9 female; mean age, 68.9±11.3 years) with failed arthroscopic debridement for septic arthritis of the knee were reviewed retrospectively (mean follow-up period, 49.2±23.2 months). All 14 patients underwent re-do of the arthroscopic debridement, then continuous irrigation. Continuous irrigation following arthroscopic debridement was maintained for a mean 8.4±2.5 days. For clinical evaluation, Lysholm knee score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used at 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months after surgery. During the entire follow-up period, recurrence of infection and operation-related complication were also assessed. RESULTS: Symptom improvement was observed in 12 cases (85.7%) of the 14 cases. Lysholm knee score was improved from 36.1±7.9 to 84.2±9.2 at 12 months after surgery (p<0.05). VAS was improved from 8.9±1.3 to 2.1±1.2 at 12 months after surgery (p<0.05). Synovial fluid cultures yielded positive findings in 9 of the 14 cases with the same bacteria in primary surgery. During the follow-up period, septic arthritis relapsed in 2 of the 5 cases with negative finding of cultures. After reoperation was performed in those 2 cases, no recurrence was observed to final follow-up. There was no complication related operation in any cases. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic debridement combined with continuous irrigation is a safe and effective procedure for failed arthroscopic debridement for septic arthritis of the knee.