Glenohumeral Joint Infection (GJI) is a rare complication of Rotator Cuff Repair (RCR) that can be difficult to treat. Conventional treatment (drainage followed by coverage) is lengthy and often unsuccessful. GJI treatment with debridement(s), drainage and simultaneous joint space sealing with the Vacuum Assisted Wound Closure Device (VAC) followed by latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LDMF) coverage is presented.

Three patients with post-traumatic loss of rotator cuff integrity developed acute staphylococcal infection with spontaneous purulent drainage following arthroscopic RCR. Patients underwent serial debridements using jet-lavage through deltoid-sparing incisions followed by VAC application into the soft tissue wound. This closed system drainage obviated the need for packing of the joint space. In all cases, gram stain and culture were negative by the second exploration and within two weeks the joint was covered with LDMF and skin graft. Within one month all patients had resumed physical therapy. Use of the VAC allows quick resolution of infection without secondary joint damage due to superinfection or desiccation. Reconstruction of the soft tissue over the joint with LDMF results in durable coverage and early return to physical therapy or revisional rotator cuff repair without concerns about unstable scar and/or deltoid muscle damage.