Arthroscopic lavage for the treatment of septic arthritis of the hip in children

Abstract

Arthroscopic treatment of septic arthritis of the hip is still not an established technique despite its minimally invasive nature and low morbidity. The goal of this study is to present the results of arthroscopic drainage and lavage for the treatment of septic arthritis of the hip in children over the age of six years. A three portal arthroscopic technique was used for drainage and irrigation in six children with septic coxitis. Continuous intra-articular irrigation was not performed, nor were decompression drains used. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics, followed by oral antibiotics. The children were followed for 14 to 84 months. Staphylococcus Aureus was the infecting organism in all cases. All patients had a rapid postoperative recovery ; they all had excellent clinical and radiological results. All of them had a full range of motion of the affected hip. No complications occurred in this group of children. Three directional arthroscopic surgery combined with large volume irrigation appeared as an effective treatment modality in cases of septic arthritis of the hip. It is less invasive than arthrotomy, and offers low post surgical morbidity.