Technical Notes and Tips: No-Hands Technique for Arthroscopic Washout of Septic Arthritis of the Knee

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the knee can be a life- or limb-threatening condition and should be treated promptly with arthroscopic washout of the knee. The finger of a size 6 surgical rubber glove can be cut and applied to the inflow cannula (Fig. 1) so that continuous irrigation can be maintained without the unnecessary use of a digit. Rapid irrigation can be achieved by applying suction tubing to the outflow cannula (Fig. 1). The combination of these two techniques significantly reduces operation time and avoids the need for an assistant. Figure 1 Finger of a surgical glove applied to the inflow cannula and suction applied to the outflow cannula, allowing rapid washout of the knee without the need for an assistant.