Infections in arthroscopy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Infection following arthroscopic procedures is uncommon, with reported incidence below 1%, though actual prevalence may be underestimated due to underreporting.
• Delayed diagnosis of post-arthroscopic joint infections can lead to severe consequences, including arthrofibrosis, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for septic arthritis occurring after arthroscopic surgery.
• To focus specifically on infections following knee and shoulder arthroscopy due to a lack of available data on other joints.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on septic arthritis after arthroscopic procedures, particularly in the knee and shoulder.
• Analysis of existing data on infection incidence, clinical manifestations, risk factors, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Clinical signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, and erythema, are often non-specific, potentially delaying diagnosis.
• Risk factors include surgical site characteristics, patient-specific factors, and details of the arthroscopic procedure itself.
• While rare, severe cases may present with fever and signs of sepsis.

Conclusions:

• Septic arthritis post-arthroscopy requires a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis and management to prevent joint damage.
• Understanding risk factors and clinical nuances is essential for effective prevention and treatment of these infections.