Arthroscopic washout of the shoulder for septic arthritis in infants. A new technique.

The operative treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder in infants has been facilitated by the use of a 30 degrees wrist arthroscope. We have treated three children under the age of three years using this technique. After initial aspiration of the joint, an arthroscope was inserted using the posterior approach. Washout was performed under direct vision and complete clearance of pus allowed assessment of the inflammation and the damage to articular cartilage. The procedure was minimally invasive and gave excellent cosmesis without compromising care. Full recovery was achieved with a single intervention.