Synovial fistula of the knee: a complication of arthroscopy. |
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Authors: | D S Proffer D Drez G P Daus |
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Institution: | Louisiana State University Knee and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Lake Charles 70601. |
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Abstract: | The occurrence of a synovial fistula after knee arthroscopy is uncommon. In a retrospective review of 976 arthroscopies of the knee over 3 years, six patients developed synovial fistulae (incidence 6.1/1,000). All patients were treated with short-term immobilization and oral prophylactic antibiotics. All fistulae closed after an average of 9 days of immobilization, and none required further treatment. Risk factors that may predispose a patient to fistula formation are posterior compartment portals and the presence of significant degenerative joint disease. A treatment protocol is presented. |
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