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Diagnostic and therapeutic standards relating to septic conditions of the shoulder are rarely documented in the literature. For this study, patients suffering from septic shoulder arthritis were prospectively enrolled. Staging was based on the criteria of Gächter (Stutz et al., Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 8:270-274, 2000), and assessment of functional outcome was based on a self-assessed Constant score (Boehm et al., Unfallchirurg 107:397-402, 2004). Patients were separated into three groups according to the CEBI-classification reported by Pfeiffenberger and Meiss (Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 115:325-331, 1996). Forty-three patients were enrolled. Group I contained 21% of patients, while 23% were assigned to group II, and 56% to group III. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 71%. Eight patients were treated arthroscopically, and 35 received open surgery. None of the implants could be preserved. The mean self-assessed Constant score after 26 +/- 7 months was 74 +/- 9 points in group I, 63 +/- 14 points in group II, and 53 +/- 14 points in group III. Diagnostic work-up consisted of laboratory analysis including CRP and joint aspiration. Arthroscopic procedures can be effective when implemented early. With regard to implants and chronic symptoms, primary removal should be critically reconsidered.

Septic arthritis of the hip represents a serious pathological condition which results in severe sequelae and high invalidity. The most serious sequelae are seen in neonatal and infantile period, when normal growth and development are brutally disturbed, followed by proximal femoral destruction and acetabular dysplasia, which in return result in anatomical limb shortening and functional deficiency. In order to achieve an adequate approach to the treatment of septic hip arthritis sequelae, different classification systems have been developed. Two of them are the most cited in literature: classification according to Hunka, and that according to Choi and associates. In this article, the authors compared both classification systems, presented their similarities and differences, and expanded them in view of treatment options applicable to each category. Although both classifications are based on radiographic findings, it has been shown that they clearly tell between treatment options relevant to particular type of sequelae of the septic hip arthritis, thus representing a useful tool in making decision about adequate treatment.