Prognosis

In principle, empyema is well treatable. Whether complications such as blood poisoning or adhesions occur after healing, depends above all on whether the intervention was carried out early enough and correctly. It should be noted, however, that an empyema is only an expression of a disease. Whether, and if so how quickly, a cure is possible depends above all on the underlying disease, the secondary diseases, the patient’s general condition and age.

Prophylaxis

If surgery has been performed in or near body cavities, the creation of an artificial drain from this cavity in the form of a drainage is conceivable as a prophylaxis against empyema formation. Without such an outflow, the accumulated wound secretion could serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and thus as a basis for empyema formation.

Empyema in the knee

Empyema is an infection of the soft tissue. Unlike abscesses, the accumulation of pus in pre-existing body cavities is characteristic of empyema. Joint empyema is an emergency case among empyema patients, because if not treated, it can lead to destruction of the joint within a short time.

The knee joint is such a body cavity. Knee joint emphysema can occur as a result of injuries, broken bones or surgery. The pathogens thus enter the joint directly through open wounds and open bone fractures, but they can also be transported into the knee from other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Unfortunately, medical measures such as a knee joint endoscopy or injections into the joint as well as open operations on the knee also favour the penetration of bacteria, although they are carried out under conditions with as few germs as possible. Certain pre-existing conditions such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, gout, liver and kidney diseases or infections such as HIV, immunodeficiencies and diseases of the blood vessels such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease increase the risk of developing knee empyema. This leads to a purulent, painful effusion, which must be opened and cleaned immediately.

Typical symptoms are restricted mobility, swelling, redness and overheating of the affected knee. Fever can also occur. As basic measures, the knee is cooled and immobilized and the knee is elevated. Furthermore, pain medication and thrombosis prophylaxis are administered before the joint is opened and cleaned. In addition, antibiotics against the pathogens are given.