High condylectomy and disc repositioning compared to arthroscopic lysis, lavage, and capsular stretch for the treatment of chronic closed lock of the temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVE: The article shows the 1-yr results comparing the efficacy of open-surgery high condylectomy and disc repositioning and the arthroscopic procedure of lysis, lavage and capsular stretch in patients with chronic closed lock of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). STUDY DESIGN: Twenty patients with a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of chronic closed lock were randomly chosen to be treated with either open surgery or arthroscopy. Each patient was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and a mandibular functional impairment questionnaire (MFIQ). The evaluation also included a clinical examination. Each patient was recorded at baseline before surgery and at 1-yr follow-up. Statistical analysis was made to evaluate whether differences in MFIQ, VAS, maximum opening and protrusion, lateral joint tenderness, muscle tenderness, crepitation, and clicking at 1-yr follow-up from baseline were significant. Results were considered statistically significant when P < .05. RESULTS: Both open surgery and arthroscopic surgery reduced pain and improved mandibular function. The severity of pain was significantly reduced in both groups (P = .005). In both the open and arthroscopy groups mandibular function improved significantly (P = .005). The clinical examination showed similar good results for the 2 surgical procedures. At 1-yr follow-up a majority of patients from both the open (80% of the patients) and the arthroscopy (70% of the patients) groups fulfilled the criterion of a cutoff point for maximum interincisal opening of equal or more than 35 mm (P = 0.005); all the patients in both groups fulfilled the criterion of the cutoff point for maximum protrusion of more than 5 mm (P = .007). At 1-yr follow-up, clicking was the same as before surgical procedures; no patient in the open group showed crepitation, but crepitation was found in patients in the arthroscopy group. Joint tenderness and pain on lateral palpation as well as muscle tenderness and pain were reduced in all the cases, disappearing in some of them, but the difference was significant only regarding joint tenderness (open surgery, P = .016; arthroscopy, P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: Open-surgery high condylectomy and disc repositioning and the arthroscopic procedure of lysis, lavage and capsular stretch are both effective surgical methods to treat symptomatic patients with a diagnosis of chronic closed lock of the TMJ. Because of the minimally invasive character of the arthroscopic procedure, it should be considered as the first choice in the surgical treatment of the TMJ.     

Diseases of the hip joint in childhood and adolescence--ultrasonic differential diagnoses

A total of 329 children with hip pain were examined by ultrasound, which indicated transient synovitis (n = 161), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 16), tuberculoid arthritis (n = 3), septic arthritis (n = 16), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (n = 102), and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (n = 31). Using the standard planes described by DEGUM and DGOOC, it is possible to analyze the joint capsule, the surface of the femoral head, and the periarticular structures. In cases of synovitis or joint effusion, a capsular distension can be diagnosed by ultrasound. This distension is typical in transient synovitis, septic and tuberculoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and the onset phase of Perthes disease. Because capsular distension exhibits no significant differences in the various diseases, differentiation is not possible with ultrasound in the absence of osseous abnormalities. In cases with both capsular distension and osseous abnormalities, ultrasound usually allows a differentiation between slipped capital femoral epiphysis and Perthes disease as well as septic and unspecific arthritis.     

Efficiency of arthroscopic lysis and lavage for internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint correlated with Wilkes classification.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcome of arthroscopic lysis and lavage of TMJ with internal derangement of Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V. STUDY DESIGN: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage was performed in 45 TMJ of 39 patients with internal derangement. The cases were divided into 4 groups corresponding to Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V. Two parameters were compared pre- and postoperatively: pain and mouth opening. Statistical significance was determined using the chi(2) test. RESULTS: Overall success rate was 86.7% (Wilkes stage II 90.9%, Wilkes stage III 92.3%, Wilkes stage IV 84.6%, Wilkes stage V 75%). There were no statistically significant differences between the success rates for Wilkes stages II, III, IV, and V. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic lysis and lavage should be performed as a standard operation for internal derangement of the TMJ after failure of conservative treatment in all Wilkes stages.     

Failure of arthroscopic meniscal repair following septic arthritis

Three cases are described in which failure of arthroscopic meniscal repair performed with an inside-out technique occurred following postoperative septic arthritis. Confirmation of septic arthritis was made by bacterial culture of joint fluid aspirates. The treatment consisted of arthroscopic lavage and intravenous antibiotics. In all cases, diagnostic arthroscopy at the time of lavage showed an intact repair site. However, further follow-up arthroscopy revealed disruption at the repair site with no signs of healing.     

Acromioclavicular joint septic arthritis in an immunocompetent child: A case report

Septic arthritis of acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a rare entity. It is generally seen in patients who are immunocompromised. Only 15 cases have been reported till now, with only one case series of 6 patients. We report a case of septic arthritis of AC joint in an immunocompetent child. A 9 years old girl presented with history of pain in left shoulder for 4 days associated with fever. No history suggestive of any immunocompromised state was complained. On local examination, a swelling of around 3 cm in diameter was found over left AC joint region with raised local temperature, tenderness on palpation and positive response in fluctuation test. Total leukocyte count was 18.7 × 10⁹/L with 80% of neutrophils. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 28 mm/1 h. C-reactive protein (CRP) was 12 mg/L. X-ray showed enlarged left AC joint space. Ultrasound revealed hypoechoic collection in the AC joint and the surrounding area. The aspirate was thick and purulent in nature, revealing Gram positive cocci at staining. Arthrotomy and thorough lavage of AC joint was done. Culture of the aspirate showed Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) after 48 hours that was sensitive to amikacin, gentamicin, erythromycin and teicoplanin. Patient was symptom-free at 2 months of follow-up with no signs of osteomyelitis on the radiographs. Thus this is the first case of AC joint septic arthritis in healthy individual. Being proximal to the shoulder joint, AC joint septic arthritis can be confused with the shoulder joint septic arthritis. Thus, high index of suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis.     

The proximal extent of the ankle capsule and safety for the insertion of percutaneous fine wires

We have assessed the proximal capsular extension of the ankle joint in 18 patients who had a contrast-enhanced MRI ankle arthrogram in order to delineate the capsular attachments. We noted consistent proximal capsular extensions anterior to the distal tibia and in the tibiofibular recess. The mean capsular extension anterior to the distal tibia was 9.6 mm (4.9 to 27.0) proximal to the anteroinferior tibial margin and 3.8 mm (-2.1 to 9.3) proximal to the dome of the tibial plafond. In the tibiofibular recess, the mean capsular extension was 19.2 mm (12.7 to 38.0) proximal to the anteroinferior tibial margin and 13.4 mm (5.8 to 20.5) proximal to the dome of the tibial plafond. These areas of proximal capsular extensions run the risk of being traversed during the insertion of finewires for the treatment of fractures of the distal tibia. Surgeons using these techniques should be aware of this anatomy in order to minimise the risk of septic arthritis.     

Melioidotic septic arthritis and its risk factors

BACKGROUND: Melioidotic septic arthritis is an infection caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is commonly found in Northeast Thailand. The goal of our study was to identify specific characteristics of patients with melioidotic septic arthritis by comparing them with patients with non-melioidotic septic arthritis and to describe the results of treatment of melioidotic septic arthritis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of seventy-seven patients with septic arthritis who were treated in our hospital over a period of four years. Twenty-five of the patients had melioidotic septic arthritis, and fifty-two had non-melioidotic septic arthritis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for melioidotic septic arthritis, and the clinical course of the twenty-five patients with melioidotic septic arthritis was followed until the infection resolved. RESULTS: Patients with melioidotic septic arthritis differed significantly (p = 0.002 ) from those with non-melioidotic septic arthritis with regard to the frequency of diabetes mellitus and of involvement of an upper-extremity joint. The odds ratio that melioidosis was the cause of the infection was 15.7 (95% confidence interval, 4.5 to 55.6) in a patient with diabetes mellitus and 4.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 19.65) in a patient with involvement of an upper-extremity joint. Twenty-two of the twenty-five patients with melioidotic septic arthritis responded to treatment, which consisted of six months of antibiotic therapy combined with needle aspiration, as well as surgical drainage of the affected joint when necessary (sixteen patients). CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of melioidotic septic arthritis should be considered when septic arthritis is seen in an individual who is indigenous to or has recently visited Southeast Asia. The infection is more likely to be melioidotic septic arthritis if it involves an upper-extremity joint and if the patient has diabetes mellitus.     

Counterimmunoelectrophoresis of synovial fluid in the diagnosis of septic arthritis

The evaluation by counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) of joint fluid for bacterial antigen from 16 children with suspected septic arthritis is reported. Joint fluid from six children contained capsular antigen of Haemophilus influenzae type b (four) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (two). One child was infected with S. pneumoniae but was positive by CIE for both H. influenzae type b and S. pneumoniae. Five of six children who were less than 2 years of age were infected with H. influenzae. Two children had negative cultures of joint fluids, and a presumptive etiology for their infection was proposed only by demonstration of bacterial antigen. CIE, which has been widely applied to cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and serum, is a helpful adjunct to the evaluation of joint fluid from children with suspected septic arthritis.     

Advanced septic arthritis of the shoulder treated by a two-stage arthroplasty

BACKGROUND The usual treatment of septic shoulder arthritis consists of arthroscopic or open lavage and debridement. However, in patients with advanced osteoarthritic changes and/or massive rotator cuff tendon tears, infection eradication can be challenging to achieve and the functional outcome is often not satisfying even after successful infection eradication. In such cases a two-stage approach with initial resection of the native infected articular surfaces, implantation of a cement spacer before final treatment with a total shoulder arthroplasty in a second stage is gaining popularity in recent years with the data in literature however being still limited.AIM To evaluate the results of a short interval two-stage arthroplasty approach for septic arthritis with concomitant advanced degenerative changes of the shoulder joint.METHODS We retrospectively included five consecutive patients over a five-year period and evaluated the therapeutic management and the clinical outcome assessed by disability of the arm, shoulder and hand(DASH) score and subjective shoulder value(SSV). All procedures were performed through a deltopectoral approach and consisted in a debridement and synovectomy, articular surface resection and insertion of a custom made antibiotic enriched cement spacer. Shoulder arthroplasty was performed in a second stage.RESULTS Mean age was 61 years(range, 47-70 years). Four patients had previous surgeries ahead of the septic arthritis. All patients had a surgical debridement ahead of the index procedure. Mean follow-up was 13 mo(range, 6-24 mo). Persistent microbiological infection was confirmed in all five cases at the time of the first stage of the procedure. The shoulder arthroplasties were performed 6 to 12 wk after insertion of the antibiotic-loaded spacer. There were two hemi and three reverse shoulder arthroplasties. Infection was successfully eradicated in all patients. The clinical outcome was satisfactory with a mean DASH score and SSV of 18.4 points and 70% respectively.CONCLUSION Short interval two-stage approach for septic shoulder arthritis is an effective treatment option. It should nonetheless be reserved for selected patients with advanced disease in which lavage and debridement have failed.     

Risk Factors for Failure and Optimal Treatment of Total Joint Arthroplasty for Septic Arthritis

BackgroundPatients with native joint septic arthritis are one of the highest risk groups for developing complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA), especially periprosthetic joint infection(PJI). There is a paucity of information on the risk factors for developing PJI and the optimal treatment modality of the native septic joint that can mitigate that risk. This multicenter study aimed to determine these risk factors, including prior treatment.MethodsA retrospective study of 233 TJAs performed, following prior septic arthritis at five institutions, was conducted. Comorbidities, organism profile, prior surgery, etiology of septic arthritis, and other relevant variables were reviewed. The primary outcome was the development of PJI, defined by Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for PJI.ResultsOverall, the PJI rate was 12.4% in patients who underwent TJA after native septic arthritis. Predisposing risk factors for PJI included antibiotic-resistant organisms, male gender, diabetes, and a postsurgical cause of septic arthritis eg open reduction internal fixation. When controlling for potential confounders, multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, diabetes, and a postoperative etiology were predictors of PJI. The definitive treatment modality for the septic joint did not affect the rate of PJI for both arthroscopy vs irrigation and debridement (I&D), and two-stage exchange vs single-stage procedure.DiscussionThis study has identified several risk factors for developing PJI in patients with prior septic joint arthritis, some of which are modifiable. The initial treatment modality of the native septic joint has no bearing on the development of PJI after TJA.     

Acute pseudoseptic arthritis after intraarticular sodium hyaluronan

A 70-year-old woman with a history of knee osteoarthritis was admitted for acute arthritis 9 days after a second intraarticular injection of sodium hyaluronan (Ostenil). The joint fluid was purulent, with no crystals, and laboratory tests showed marked inflammation, leading to antibiotic treatment for suspected septic arthritis. Incapacitating symptoms persisted, prompting surgical lavage of the knee, which failed to relieve the severe pain. The persistent symptoms and negative results of joint fluid and blood cultures led to discontinuation of the antibiotic therapy after 10 days. Antiinflammatory therapy relieved the symptoms, and the patient was discharged home 1 month after her admission. Nevertheless, the pain persisted, requiring rehabilitation therapy of the knee. Aseptic arthritis induced by repeated sodium hyaluronan injection is the most likely diagnosis. Physicians should be aware of this extremely severe complication.     

Gram staining in the diagnosis of acute septic arthritis

This study aimed at determining the sensitivity and specificity of Gram staining of synovial fluid as a diagnostic tool in acute septic arthritis. A retrospective study was made of 22 patients who had arthroscopic lavage following a provisional diagnosis of acute septic arthritis of the knee joint. Gram stains and cultures of the knee aspirates were compared with the clinical and laboratory parameters, to evaluate their usefulness in diagnosing acute arthritis. All patients who had septic arthritis had pain, swelling and limitation of movement. CRP was elevated in 90% of patients. The incidence of elevated white blood cell count was higher in the group of patients with a positive Gram stain study (60%) as compared to patients with a negative Gram stain study (33%). Gram staining sensitivity was 45%. Its specificity was however 100%. Gram staining is an unreliable tool in early decision making in patients requiring urgent surgical drainage and washout.     

Significance of laboratory and radiologic findings for differentiating between septic arthritis and transient synovitis of the hip

Although significant differences exist in the methods of treatment and prognoses of septic coxitis and transient synovitis in children complaining of acute hip pain, similar symptoms are present in these two diseases at the early stages, and differential diagnosis is difficult. To differentiate between these two diseases, the authors evaluated the clinical, serologic, and radiologic findings and tried to determine factors that could be used as diagnostic criteria. The authors performed a retrospective study by evaluating medical records, plain hip radiographs, and clinical findings in 97 patients with transient synovitis and 27 patients with septic arthritis. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in body temperature, serum WBC count, and ESR and CRP levels of the two patient groups. Plain radiographs showed a displacement or blurring of periarticular fat pads in all patients with acute septic arthritis, and multivariate regression analysis showed that body temperature >37 degrees C, ESR >20 mm/h, CRP >1 mg/dL, WBC >11,000/mL, and an increased hip joint space of >2 mm were independent multivariate predictors of acute septic arthritis. The authors conclude that the independent multivariate predictors are effective indices for the differential diagnosis of acute septic coxitis and transient synovitis.     

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus–Induced Septic Arthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

We encountered a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–induced septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A 20-year-old woman underwent left double-bundle ACL reconstruction by use of the hamstring tendon 18 months after her injury. She had a fever higher than 39°C, and swelling of the left knee developed on day 5 after surgery. The white blood cell count was 19,500/μL, and the C-reactive protein level was 16.9 mg/dL. Arthroscopic debridement with joint lavage was performed on day 7, followed by intermittent articular irrigation. Because the arthritis was not remitted, arthroscopic debridement with joint lavage was repeated, and the reconstructed ligament and hardware were removed on day 10. Intermittent articular irrigation was continued, but the arthritis still was not remitted, so a third arthroscopic debridement with joint lavage was performed on day 22. After treatment, continuous articular irrigation had been performed for 14 days until culture negativity of synovial fluid was confirmed. After methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified, vancomycin hydrochloride (2 g) was systemically administered for 29 days until the test for C-reactive protein became negative. Joint mobilization and revision ACL reconstruction by use of bone-tendon-bone were performed 2 months and 1 year, respectively, after the primary surgery.     

Editorial Commentary: Arthroscopic Treatment of Glenohumeral Arthritis—Avoiding Heavy Metal!

Arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral arthritis is an important option in young or active patients in whom arthroplasty is not desired or ideal. Typically, arthroscopic management is a bridging procedure with the goals of decreasing pain, improving function, and delaying the need for shoulder arthroplasty. Many levels of treatment have been described ranging from simple to complex—from joint lavage to glenohumeral ligament release and loose body removal to comprehensive arthroscopic management, which includes glenohumeral chondroplasty, synovectomy, loose body removal, microfracture, capsular release, humeral osteoplasty, axillary nerve neurolysis, subacromial decompression, and biceps tenodesis. Patient selection and education are essential because patients with end-stage arthritis (<2 mm of joint space) and bony deformity of the glenoid or humerus have less favorable long-term survival. We prefer the comprehensive arthroscopic management approach, although more technically difficult, because it attempts to address the greatest amount of pathology. We believe this permits the maximum likelihood of sustained benefit and avoidance of “heavy metal,” with a 60% survival rate at minimum 10-year follow-up.     

Arthrite à Salmonella enteritidis compliquant un lupus érythémateux systémique

Septic arthritis due to Salmonella in systemic lupus erythematosus is rare. We report a case of septic arthritis by Salmonella enteritidis which occurred during the evolution of systemic lupus erythematosus. A 23-year-old man was diagnosed as suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus. This diagnosis was taken on the basis of general symptoms, skin lesions, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and glomerulonephritis (class III). He was treated with three methylprednisolone boli related by high-dose regimen of prednisolone. A month and a half later, he presented fever with monoarthritis of the left elbow without any other new sign of underlying systemic disease. Bacteriological examinations isolated S. enteritidis. The patient improved with antibiotics and joint lavage. Feverish monoarthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus should be suspect to be septic arthritis. Appropriate treatment should be promptly instituted to improve the prognosis.     

Arthrite aiguë pseudoseptique après injection de hyaluronate de sodium

A 70-year-old woman with a history of knee osteoarthritis was admitted for acute arthritis 9 days after a second intraarticular injection of sodium hyaluronan (Ostenil^®). The joint fluid was purulent, with no crystals, and laboratory tests showed marked inflammation, leading to antibiotic treatment for suspected septic arthritis. Incapacitating symptoms persisted, prompting surgical lavage of the knee, which failed to relieve the severe pain. The persistent symptoms and negative results of joint fluid and blood cultures led to discontinuation of the antibiotic therapy after 10 days. Antiinflammatory therapy relieved the symptoms, and the patient was discharged home 1 month after her admission. Nevertheless, the pain persisted, requiring rehabilitation therapy of the knee. Aseptic arthritis induced by repeated sodium hyaluronan injection is the most likely diagnosis. Physicians should be aware of this extremely severe complication.     

Die Gelenkinfektion

Acute septic arthritis is a surgical emergency because rapid septic destruction of articular cartilage can lead to impairment or even loss of joint function. Diagnosis consists of patient history, clinical examination, laboratory results, (sonography- guided) joint aspiration and radiography. Emergency therapy is based on arthroscopic or open joint debridement and lavage combined with systemic antibiotic therapy. No data are available for the recommendation of local antibiotics but antiseptic solutions are not recommended because of cartilage damage. New trends in diagnostics are positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), urine sticks for analysis of joint fluid and molecular pathology. Chronic joint empyema is more diagnostically demanding and is difficult to treat. In cases of necrotic and infected articular cartilage, joint resection has to be performed for quiescence of infection. Options following successful treatment of empyema are arthroplasty, arthrodesis or permanent resection.     

新生儿化脓性髋关节炎的临床诊治问题

目的：探讨新生儿化脓性髋关节炎的临床表现，提高对新生儿化脓性髋关节炎的早期诊治水平。方法：对40例新生儿化脓性髋关节炎进行回顾性分析。结果：新生儿化脓性髋关节炎在新生儿期易漏诊，后遗症严重，处理困难。结论：新生儿化脓性髋关节炎的早期诊治是避免严重后遗问题的关键因素，重视查体、B超检查及关节穿刺是获得诊断的重要手段，切开持续引流是提高疗效、预防严重后遗症的重要保证。     

Arthroscopic management of septic arthritis of the shoulder joint

BACKGROUND: Nineteen patients with septic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint were treated with a combination of arthroscopic irrigation and débridement and systemic antibiotics according to bacterial sensitivity. We retrospectively reviewed the series to determine the efficacy and safety of this treatment. METHODS: There were seventeen men and two women, with a mean age of fifty-nine years. Underlying medical disease was present in thirteen patients, with six of them having diabetes. The average duration of symptoms prior to the arthroscopic lavage was three weeks. Fifteen patients had had local injections into the shoulder joint. The arthroscopic staging of the infection was based on the modified criteria of G?chter. The functional outcome was evaluated with use of the UCLA scoring system. RESULTS: As determined at arthroscopy, one infection was classified as stage I; seven, as stage II; nine, as stage III; and two, as stage IV. Staphylococcus was the most common organism identified. The infection was eradicated completely with a single arthroscopic procedure in fourteen patients. The mean UCLA score at the time of the last follow-up was 26 points, with a mean score of 23.7 points for the eleven patients with a rotator cuff tear and 29 points for the eight with an intact rotator cuff. Patients who had had symptoms for no more than two weeks prior to the arthroscopic lavage had better results than those who had had symptoms for longer than two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic débridement for the treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder is safe and efficient, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Underlying medical diseases such as diabetes, prior injections, or a preexisting rotator cuff tear were seen in a high proportion of these patients.