title: [Stage-dependent arthroscopic treatment of knee joint infections].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal is early diagnostic arthroscopy with irrigation and, if needed, debridement of all 6 recesses of the infected knee joint to quickly gain control of the infection and a satisfactory functional outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Arthroscopic irrigation without delay is indicated even if a knee joint infection is only suspected.
  
  
  METHODS
  No existing contraindications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Arthroscopic irrigation of the knee with stage-related debridement. Particularly irrigation and debridement of the two dorsal recesses. In stage IV according to Gächter, open synovectomy and radical debridement is recommended.
  
  
  METHODS
  In case of persistent infection, early revision. After removement of drainages mobilisation with continous passive motion. Antibiotic therapy is necessary even after the infection has been treated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Arthroscopic irrigation with stage-related debridment of all 6 recesses in combination with antibiotic therapy is the standard procedure for knee joint infections when there is no arthroplasty. Open surgery with debridement of infected bone tissue is indicated in patients with stage IV according to Gächter. Decisive for good results is an early intervention.
authors.affiliation: Chirurgisch-Traumatologisches Zentrum, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Lohmühlenstr. 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Enderle
authors.forename: K-H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Frosch
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents