Case Study of Knee Joint Infections Following Steroid Therapy

Suppurative knee joint infection probably due to intraarticular steroid injection, has been increasing recently. In this study, we report the results of a follow-up survey conducted in eleven patients (chiefly those with over five-year course after onset) who were referred to our hospital from other medical institutions during the past ten years.For clinical assessment knee joint function was evaluated on the basis of the “SANDAIGAKU” tentative plan. On X-ray medial and lateral joint spaces were determined bilaterally on the frontal image of lower limbs in the standing position, and PF joint spaces were measured on the lateral image. Evaluation was made for each item before disease onset, one year after surgery, and at the time of final follow-up.All eight patients who could be followed up for over five years have experienced no recurrence of the suppurative arthritis after surgery, and their gait ability was relatively satisfactory. Total scores of the “SANDAIGAKU” tentative plan improved in four patients, declined by 15 points or less in three patients, and significantly declined in one patient. Medial joint space was 3.9mm on average before surgery, 2.6mm one year after surgery and 0.9mm at the time of the final survery. Lateral joint space was also reduced in size in chronological order from 4.6mm to 3.9mm and 2.0mm, respectively. PF joint space also chronologically decreased from 2.5mm to 1.3mm and 0.6mm, respectively.