Arthroscopic treatment for acute septic arthritis of the hip joint in adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the arthroscopic management of septic arthritis of the hip joint.

METHODS: From October 2009 to October 2010, nine patients with septic arthritis of the hip were treated with arthroscopic debridement and drainage and systemic antibiotics according to bacterial sensitivity or with empiric antibiotics if no bacteria was isolated from the cultures. All patients were placed in the supine position on a fracture table, and two or three arthroscopic portals were used. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine the efficacy and safety of hip arthroscopy for septic arthritis.

RESULTS: There were 4 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 49.8 years (SD 12.1). No major complication related to arthroscopy of the hip was encountered. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 4 patients. Average follow-up was 19.4 months (SD 4.1). Septic arthritis relapsed in one patient, but the other 8 patients experienced no recurrence during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic lavage and debridement is a safe and effective procedure for septic arthritis of the hip joint.