Aims. The treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder is challenging.
The infection frequently recurs and the clinical outcome can be
very poor. We aimed to review the outcomes following the use of
continuous negative pressure after open debridement with a large
diameter drain in patients with septic arthritis of the shoulder. Patients and Methods. A total of 68 consecutive patients with septic arthritis of the
shoulder underwent arthrotomy, irrigation and debridement. A small
diameter suction drain was placed in the glenohumeral joint and
a large diameter drain was placed in the subacromial space with
continuous negative pressure of 15 cm H. 2. O. All patients
received a standardised protocol of antibiotics for a mean of 5.1
weeks (two to 11.1). Results. Negative pressure was maintained for a mean of 24 days (14 to
32). A total of 67 patients (98.5%) were cured without further treatment
being required. At a mean follow-up of 14 months (three to 72),
the mean forward flexion was 123° (80° to 140°) and the mean external
rotation was 28°(10° to 40°) in those with a rotator cuff tear,
and 125° (85° to 145°) and 35° (15° to 45°) in those without a rotator
cuff tear. Conclusion.
