Long-term results of bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2018 Aug;71(8):1138-1145. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2018.04.017. Epub 2018 May 22.

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the wrist is a serious condition, yet little is known about its long-term outcome. A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated for bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist was conducted with subsequent follow-up of 18 patients with a median period of 44 months to assess functional results via DASH-Score and clinical examination. Arthrotomy was used to treat all patients; in 19 patients, multiple operations were needed to cure the infection. Follow-up revealed a mean DASH-score of 34 (SD 22) and a significant correlation with needed surgical radicality and number of needed operations. The range of motion of the wrist and grip strength of the affected side was 49% (SD 20%) and 70% (SD 28%) of the contralateral side, respectively. In conclusion, septic arthritis of the wrist leads to long-term functional restrictions with a strong correlation with the stage of the disease. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are paramount.

Keywords: Arthrotomy; Bacterial arthritis; Infection; Septic arthritis; Staphylococcus aureus; Wrist.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Infectious / microbiology*
  • Arthritis, Infectious / therapy
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Debridement / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / therapy
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wrist Joint*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents