[Joint infections following intra-articular injections]

The results of treatment after joint infections caused by articular injection or puncture, were examined in 198 patients. The state of arthrosis and the range of joint motion were chosen as objective criteria; the patient's personal opinion was also assessed. The duration of hospital stay--average 12.8 weeks--was longer in conservative treatment than in patients who received operative therapy. When patients were operated early during their hospitalisation, they had better radiological results and postoperative range of motion. However, in patients who received early operative treatment due to severe infections, range of postoperative motion was most restricted. The importance of limited indications and thorough information of the patient must be stressed considering 15 deaths during therapy.