Arthroscopy versus arthrotomy for the treatment of septic knee arthritis

Daniel J Johnson; Bennet A Butler; Matthew J Hartwell; Claire E Fernandez; Richard W Nicolay; Ryan S Selley; Michael A Terry; Vehniah K Tjong

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2019.11.031

Arthroscopy versus arthrotomy for the treatment of septic knee arthritis

J Orthop. 2019 Nov 27:19:46-49. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2019.11.031. eCollection 2020 May-Jun.

Authors

Daniel J Johnson¹, Bennet A Butler¹, Matthew J Hartwell¹, Claire E Fernandez¹, Richard W Nicolay¹, Ryan S Selley¹, Michael A Terry¹, Vehniah K Tjong¹

Affiliation

¹ Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, USA.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare complications following arthroscopy and arthrotomy for treatment of septic knee arthritis.

Methods: Patients undergoing arthroscopy and arthrotomy for a diagnosis of septic knee arthritis were identified in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and placed in a multivariate analysis to determine if type of surgery contributed to postoperative complications.

Results: Knee arthrotomy was associated with an increased risk for increased operative time [Parameter estimate 4.555 (95% CI:3.023-6.085); p < 0.0001], minor morbid events [OR 2.064 (95% CI: 1.447-2.943); p < 0.0001], and any morbidity [OR 2.285 (95% CI:1.527-3.419); p < 0.0001].

Conclusions: Knee arthrotomy was associated with a higher risk of complications.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; Arthrotomy; Septic knee.