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Arthroscopic washout of the shoulder for septic arthritis in infants

A NEW TECHNIQUE

Department of Orthopaedic and Accident Surgery, Queen’s Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.

Correspondence should be sent to Mr J. B. Hunter.

The operative treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder in infants has been facilitated by the use of a 30° wrist arthroscope. We have treated three children under the age of three years using this technique. After initial aspiration of the joint, an arthroscope was inserted using the posterior approach. Washout was performed under direct vision and complete clearance of pus allowed assessment of the inflammation and the damage to articular cartilage. The procedure was minimally invasive and gave excellent cosmesis without compromising care. Full recovery was achieved with a single intervention.