Abstract
From 1999 to 2002, eight children, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years, were treated for acute septic arthritis of the hip by arthroscopic debridement. The hip was initially aspirated under image control and distended with clear saline and a routine medium, or a small joint arthro-scope was introduced into the joint. The hip was irrigated and a suction drain inserted. All patients who presented early did well; those presenting later had a poor result. The functional recovery rate was faster than with the classical arthrotomy. Arthroscopic drainage may be a valuable tool in the treatment of acute septic arthritis.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
