The septic knee--arthroscopic treatment.

It is well known that infection of a major weight-bearing joint can be a disastrous occurrence. Arthroscopy has been found to aid immeasureably in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Under arthroscopic control, adhesions can be broken down, necrotic tissue can be lavaged from the joint and, following the installation of drainage tubes, the processes of distension and irrigation can be carried out. By so doing, and in conjunction with systemic antibiotic therapy, a significant improvement in results of sepsis in major joints has been achieved, with all cases so treated being considered good to excellent at follow-up. It may be that the major benefit of the distention/irrigation method lies in the distension process which prevents loculation of necrotic tissue in the recesses of the joint and also prevents adhesion formation which might later restrict range of motion.