Chlorhexidine and chondrolysis in the knee.
We have summarised the clinical and pathological changes in the knees of three patients in whom aqueous chlorhexidine 0.02% had been used as the irrigation solution during arthroscopically-assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Even very dilute solutions of chlorhexidine can cause marked chondrolysis of articular cartilage leading to severe permanent damage to the knee. Irrigation solutions should be checked carefully to ensure that their composition is appropriate to the procedure being carried out. Exposure of articular cartilage to chlorhexidine should be avoided.
van Huyssteen
A L
AL
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Treliske Hospital, Truro, England.
Bracey
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine