Septic arthritis following arthroscopy, with cost/benefit analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis

Nine cases of septic arthritis following arthroscopy are reviewed retrospectively. All cases of septic arthritis followed arthroscopic surgery. The average age of the patients was 49 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by bacterial cultures of the joint aspirates. All cases were treated by appropriate antibiotics supplemented by repeat arthroscopy and placement of a suction irrigation system. The average stay in hospital was 21 days. The authors suggest that it is not possible to predict such a major complication based on risk factors and therefore present a cost/benefit analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis using first-generation cephalosporins as a possible means of reducing hospital costs and patient morbidity.