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How do you drain an infected knee?

Drainage of an infected knee is performed by inserting sterile tubes into a small cut made in the skin to access the joint space. A large amount of sterile water or saline is then used to flush out the joint. This is done under general anesthesia as this eliminates the pain and helps you remain completely still for the procedure. 

After washing out the joint with a large amount of fluid, the surgeon will close the small incision in the side of the knee. You will have to take antibiotics for several days after the surgery to prevent a return of any new infection.

What is knee arthroscopic drainage and irrigation?

How long does a knee washout take?

What is the recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery?

Do you need crutches after an arthroscopy?

Is arthroscopic knee surgery successful?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

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Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

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