Infectious disease/case reportBedside Washout of a Septic Shoulder in the Emergency Department: A Case Report

We present a case of successful bedside irrigation of a septic joint in the emergency department. Complicating factors prevented the patient from undergoing operative management. With a simple 2 catheter technique the authors irrigated the patient's septic shoulder at the bedside. The patient's pain and range of motion improved immediately following the technique. The patient had complete recovery without open drainage. With further investigation, definitive management of septic joints could begin in the emergency department.