Operative and Non-operative Treatment of Traumatic Arthrotomies: A Prospective Observational Study

Detailed Summary

For the last 70 years, orthopaedic dogma has dictated that all injuries that penetrate the joint capsule require formal irrigation and debridement in the operating room to minimize the risk of developing septic complications. The literature supporting this practice is sparse and stems primarily from wartime injuries that may not be generalizable to the smaller, less contaminated arthrotomies seen in the civilian population. Despite the classical teaching of all traumatic arthrotomies requiring irrigation, debridement, and closure in the operating room, numerous surgeons around the country are beginning to treat small traumatic arthrotomies without surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost of treatment as well as incidence of adverse events, such as the development of septic arthritis, in patients undergoing operative and non-operative treatment of traumatic arthrotomies.

Study Details

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Interventions