Arthroscopic washout of the shoulder for septic arthritis in infants: A new technique

• Published in: Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume Vol. 84; no. 8; pp. 1173 - 1175
• Main Authors: FORWARD, D. P, HUNTER, J. B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery 01-11-2002; British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery
• Edition: British volume
• Subjects: Arthritis, Infectious - surgery; Arthroscopy - methods; Biological and medical sciences; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Medical sciences; Orthopedic surgery; Shoulder Joint; Suction; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Human; Endoscopic surgery; Prognosis; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Infant; Arthritis; Washing; Joint; Infection; Arthroscopy; Treatment; Intraarticular administration; Shoulder; Bacteriosis; Surgical approach; Upper limb; Endoscopy; Technique
• ISSN: 0301-620X; 2049-4394; 2044-5377; 2049-4408
• DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.84B8.12560

The operative treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder in infants has been facilitated by the use of a 30 degrees wrist arthroscope. We have treated three children under the age of three years using this technique. After initial aspiration of the joint, an arthroscope was inserted using the posterior approach. Washout was performed under direct vision and complete clearance of pus allowed assessment of the inflammation and the damage to articular cartilage. The procedure was minimally invasive and gave excellent cosmesis without compromising care. Full recovery was achieved with a single intervention.