The Surgical Treatment of Deep Infection in the Native Shoulder Joint

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

2 Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA

3 1 Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA 2 Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Abstract

Background: The overall clinical picture surrounding native shoulder infections, and, in particular, the associated
long-term functional outcomes of treatment are presently underreported. The purpose of this study is to examine the
demographics, diagnostic and treatment strategies, and functional outcomes of isolated shoulder joint sepsis treated
with surgical irrigation and debridement (I&D).
Methods: All patients treated with I&D for native shoulder sepsis between 2007 – 2017 were identified. Those without
a minimum of one-year follow-up were excluded. Functional outcomes scores, reoperations, and predictors of poor
outcome were evaluated.
Results: Twenty-three patients were included in the final study population. Mean age-adjusted CCI score was 4.1 (SD
= 3.4, Range = 0 – 10). Twelve patients (52.2%) were treated with open I&D, while 11 patients (47.8%) were treated
arthroscopically. Nine patients (39.1%) required multiple I&Ds (mean total number of I&Ds = 1.7, SD = 1.0, Range:
1 – 4). Five patients (21.7%) had at least one documented reinfection after their initial hospitalization, with the initial
recurrence of infection occurring 2 – 15 months after the index procedure. Mean ASES score at final follow-up was 55.3
(SD = 26.7, Range: 5.8 – 98.3) and mean SANE score was 53.3 (SD = 30.6, Range: 0 – 100). Stepwise multiple linear
regression modeling identified intravenous drug abuse as the most significant predictor for final ASES score [F(1,18)
= 6.12, p = .024, adjusted R2 = .254].
Conclusion: Following isolated shoulder joint sepsis, infection clearance and acceptable functional outcomes can be
achieved using surgical I&D followed by a course of antibiotics, but outcomes are variable.
Level of evidence: IV

Keywords

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 9, Issue 4
July and August 2021
Pages 412-417

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 July 2020
  • Revise Date: 01 October 2020
  • Accept Date: 03 October 2020

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