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Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Arthroscopy versus arthrotomy for the treatment of septic knee arthritis
Daniel J Johnson1, Bennet A Butler1, Matthew J Hartwell1
1Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, USA.
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.
