Table 2.

Pitfalls of Needle Arthroscopy in Bacterial Arthritis

The zero-degree viewing angle, which may be unfamiliar to surgeons, has a learning curve.

The needle arthroscopic instruments are smaller and less rigid than conventional arthroscopy. This may increase difficulty and procedure time, and it has a learning curve.

If performed under local anesthesia, conversion to general or spinal anesthesia may be necessary if the procedure is not tolerated by the patient.

If performed under local anesthesia, close attention should be paid to proper anesthesia of the joint capsule, as this is well innervated

The flow of saline through the needle arthroscopic cannula is lower compared with conventional arthroscopy. This can be remedied by removing the camera from the cannula to create higher flow once the cannula is correctly positioned in the joint.

In case of difficult introduction into the joint, the sharp obturator can be used instead of the blunt obturator; however, this carries a risk of iatrogenic damage and therefore requires extra caution.