Smith BG, Cruz AI Jr, Milewski MD, Shapiro ED. Lyme disease and the orthopaedic implications of lyme arthritis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011 Feb;19(2):91-100. doi: 10.5435/00124635-201102000-00004. PMID: 21292932; PMCID: PMC3656475.
- Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S. and Europe. Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, affecting skin, nervous system, heart, and joints
- Lyme arthritis is a common manifestation, especially in later disease stages
- Typically presents as monoarticular or pauciarticular joint involvement
- Should be considered in endemic regions when joint symptoms are present
- Primary treatment is antibiotic eradication of the spirochete
- Prognosis is generally excellent
- Arthroscopic synovectomy reserved for antibiotic-refractory cases
Gabriella True
