Surgical therapy of extensive knee joint empyema: mid-term results after two-stage versus one-stage procedures

Untreated knee joint empyema leads to rapid destruction of the joint and, thus far, has proven challenging to treat. This study presents data obtained after one- versus two-stage surgical approaches. Specifically, clinical outcome, complication rate, re-infection rate, duration of operation, and hospital stay are reported.

Between 2006 and 2010, 67 patients with extensive knee joint empyema underwent surgical therapy. Patients underwent either a two-stage surgical approach with open joint treatment for 7-10 days or a one-stage procedure with primary closure of the knee joint after radical debridement.

The two-stage procedure was performed on 36 patients, whereas the one-stage procedure was performed on 31 patients. Infection duration prior to the index procedure ranged from 3 days to 55 months (two-stage: ~5 months, one-stage: ~2.4 months). The groups did not differ significantly in demographic group characteristics. Hospital stay and duration of operation were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in the one-stage group compared to the two-stage group (31.1 ± 10.6 vs. 23.4 ± 14.4 days and 105 ± 32 vs. 68 ± 18 min, respectively). Functional outcome improved in both groups from the pre- to post-operative period, but did not differ significantly between groups.

The one-stage open surgical approach produced similar results to the two-stage approach in the treatment of extensive knee joint empyemas. However, by waiving the open joint treatment concept, duration of hospital stay and operation time could be significantly reduced.

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