Abstract:

Objective·To observe the therapeutic effect of constant irrigation drainage on the treatment of septic gonarthritis in children at different stages of disease and to explore the choice of treatment plan. Methods·Twenty-one cases of septic gonarthritis were retrospective analyzed. All patients underwent emergency operations and conventional imaging and laboratory tests. The average CRP and ESR were 51 mg/L and 75 mm/h. Emergency operations were determined according to the onset time and imaging results, including arthroscopic irrigation, arthroscopic synovial membrane cleaning, and direct incision and drainage. All patients accepted constant irrigation drainage. Results·The average drainage duration and hospital stay were 10.9 d and 21.2 d for patients with the course of disease <1 week and 19.3 d and 29.9 d for patients with the course of disease > 1 week. The average CRP and ESR at discharge were 3 mg/L and 18 mm/h for patients with the course of disease <1 week and 2 mg/L and 16 mm/h for patients with the course of disease > 1 week. The average follow-up period was 26 months and there were no incidences of recurrence. Their Lysholm scores were all above 90 points. Conclusion·Reasonable selection of constant irrigation drainage for the treatment of septic gonarthritis in children at different stages of disease facilitates early control of infection, protects articular cartilage, recovers joint function, and prevents persistent or repeated infection.

Key words: child, septic gonarthritis, constant irrigation drainage