Stage-dependant management of septic arthritis of the shoulder in adults

Diagnostic and therapeutic standards relating to septic conditions of the shoulder are rarely documented in the literature. For this study, patients suffering from septic shoulder arthritis were prospectively enrolled. Staging was based on the criteria of Gächter (Stutz et al., Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 8:270–274, 2000), and assessment of functional outcome was based on a self-assessed Constant score (Boehm et al., Unfallchirurg 107:397–402, 2004). Patients were separated into three groups according to the CEBI-classification reported by Pfeiffenberger and Meiss (Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 115:325–331, 1996). Forty-three patients were enrolled. Group I contained 21% of patients, while 23% were assigned to group II, and 56% to group III. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 71%. Eight patients were treated arthroscopically, and 35 received open surgery. None of the implants could be preserved. The mean self-assessed Constant score after 26 ± 7 months was 74 ± 9 points in group I, 63 ± 14 points in group II, and 53 ± 14 points in group III. Diagnostic work-up consisted of laboratory analysis including CRP and joint aspiration. Arthroscopic procedures can be effective when implemented early. With regard to implants and chronic symptoms, primary removal should be critically reconsidered.