Is It Time to Bring Back Knee Washout?

Abstract

Washout of knee joint contents, whether by arthrotomy, arthroscopy, or percutaneous methods, can remove phlogistic material contributing to the problem at hand. Observations dating from the turn of the last century coupled with multiple trials suggest such that an intervention can be useful in the management of osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthropathies, crystal arthritis, and septic arthritis. We suggest that this intervention-applicable at the bedside with minimal cost, preparation, or expertise-be reconsidered as an adjunct in management of these disorders.

Keywords: arthritis; arthroscopy; crystal arthropathies; knee; osteoarthritis; therapeutic irrigation.