Clinical Study of Arthroscopic Multichannel Combined Approach in the Treatment of Knee Lumen Infection With Calf Effusion Abscess

Abstract Background: It is rare to see knee lumen infection with calf effusion abscess. Traditional open surgery is traumatic, slow and difficult to recover. And there are few reports of using arthroscopy to diagnose and treat knee lumen infection with calf effusion abscess. This case series aims to introduce the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of knee lumen infection with calf effusion abscess.Methods：fifteen patients with knee joint cavity infections and calf abscesses from from January 2015 to December 2019, were included(11 males and 4 females; age range from 33 to 61, the average age is 46.6years). All patients were treated with arthroscopic multi-channel combined approach. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were recorded before and at the last follow-up. The knee function was evaluated according to the visual analogue scoring method (visual analogue scale, VAS) pain score and Lysholm score.Results：fifteen patients were followed up from 12 months to 2 years, and the average follow-up time was 18.4 months. The operation was smooth in all patients, the incisions were healed at grade I, no postoperative recurrence, no nerve damage, and no complications such as knee stiffness. At the last follow-up, ESR decreased from preoperative (44.6±10.1) to (11.4±3.1) (P<0.001), and CRP decreased from preoperative (30.2±8.0) to (3.9±1.0) (P<0.001). Lysholm score was reduced by Before (46.9±7.7) improved to (93.0±8.1) (P<0.001), the VAS score decreased from (7.0±0.9) before operation to (2.1±1.2) (P<0.001), and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion：Arthroscopic multi-channel combined approach is a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment method for knee joint cavity infection with calf abscess.