Abstract
We would like report on the predisposing factors in the occurrence of the symptoms, the methods of treatment and postoperative courses collectively, by studying the clinical images of suppurative in pyogenic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint which were diagnosed and treated in this department. Five cases with suppurative arthritis consulted this department; three males and two females with their five joints.
The causes of infection were intraarticular injection of a steroid agent in three cases, hematogenous infection in one case, and postoperative infection in the lest. The period from the occurrence of the symptoms to the first medical examinations in this department was between about two months and three years. They had had a pain in their shoulder joints since before the occurrence of the symptoms, and the times of megalgia, which are thought to be the yardstick of the occurrence of the symptoms, were obtained definitely in only two cases. The causal bacteria of inflammation were verified in the bacteria cultures of joint fluid in two cases, and three cases were diagnosed as pyogenic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint based on previous history, clinical symptoms, and the character of the joint fluid. As to treatment, a curettage of the lesion was carried out in three cases, and an arthrocentesis drainage without incision in two cases. At present, on case has recurred.
Good results were obtained in several attempts of artirocentesis drainage in addition to strong chemotherapy through the vein for these cases which could be diagnosed early and were not accompanied by rupture of the tendon. We also studied and will report on the function of the shoulder joint after treatment.
