Management of infections after arthroscopy.

Management and evaluations of infections after arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder can be difficult and fraught with complications, both medical and legal. This article reviews the literature regarding arthroscopic infections from a historical perspective and discusses the treatment of knee and shoulder infections as well as the complications associated with delayed treatment. It is critical to make the diagnosis as soon as possible subsequent to the initial procedure to avoid postoperative sequelae consisting of stiffness and a decrease in function.