title: Arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of the infected total knee replacement.
abstract: Infection is a potentially disastrous complication of total knee replacement (TKR). Retention of the prosthesis has been associated with high rates of persistent infection. Our study shows that in selected situations, arthroscopic debridement may allow retention of the prosthesis and eradication of the infection. However, the prosthesis must be stable, the surgical technique must be meticulous and specific antibiotics must be taken for a lengthy period. Arthroscopic debridement should be considered as an alternative to an open technique, or revision, for the infected TKR.
authors.affiliation: The Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Research, 286 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, Sydney 2065, Australia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.forename: E N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Parish
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Cross
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D016868:Serratia Infections / Q000150:complications; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications