OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical effects of arthroscopic debridement versus open debridement on controlling and treatment of infection after total knee replacement.

METHODSFrom October 2009 to September 2016 in three hospitals, 11 patients with 11 joints which were infected after total knee replacement were randomly divided into two groups:5 cases in arthroscopy group and 6 cases in routine group. Patients in arthroscopy group were treated with arthroscopic debridement to remove the necrotic tissues, then closed-type irrigation with sensitive antibiotics by using two sebific ducts were performed continuously for 2 or 3 weeks until the flushing fluid became clear for 3 or 5 days;other 6 patients in routine group were treated with open surgical debridement and the following procedures in keeping with those in the arthroscopy group. Operation time, blood loss and incision length were recorded during the operation, and pain scores were recorded on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after the operation. The curative effects were evaluated according to the Hospital for Special Surgery score system.

RESULTSThe local and general symptoms of the 11 patients disappeared, and the test outcomes of biochemistry, blood and synovial fluid were normal. All patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 18 months. Infection recurrences were observed in 1 case of arthroscopy group and 2 cases of routine group 3 months later after operation, and all these patients who underwent the second time operation with arthroscopic debridement were cured. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery score system, 3 cases obtained excellent result, 2 good, no poor and bad cases in arthroscopy group;3 cases obtained excellent result, 1 good, 1 poor and 1 bad in routine group.

CONCLUSIONSIf the sensitive antibiotics can be found for the infected joints without obvious destruction of bone and no prosthesis loosening, it has a better therapeutic effect by using arthroscopic debridement combined with continuous drainage and irrigation. The method has a better curative effect with smaller trauma.