The arthroscopic drainage, irrigation, and debridement of late, acute total hip arthroplasty infections - Average 6-year follow-up

We present our experience with arthroscopy for the treatment of late, acute periprosthetic hip infections in 8 consecutive patients, treated from 1989 to 1994. After a hip aspiration confirmed the presence of bacterial infection, all patients underwent prompt arthroscopic treatment, which consisted of drainage, lavage, and debridement. Postoperatively, patients were given 2 to 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, followed by long-term oral antibiotic suppression. At a mean follow-up of 70 months (range, 29-104 months), no recurrence of infection occurred. No progressive radiographic loosening was noted. Based on this initial study, we believe that arthroscopic irrigation and debridement can benefit well-selected patients who suffer late, acute hip periprosthetic infections. Effective treatment requires early diagnosis, prompt arthroscopic debridement, well-fixed components, a sensitive microorganism, and patient tolerance to and compliance with the antibiotic therapy.