Septic arthritis of childhood.

Abstract

Septic arthritis is a synovial infection of bacterial origin. Such a diagnosis, suggested by pain and diminished resistance to infection, should be confirmed by puncture of the joint effusion. The condition calls for emergency hospitalisation and treatment in a surgical unit. Treatment should include draining and cleaning of the joint, immobilization at least in the early stages, and double parenteral antibiotic administration. Clinical, radiological and laboratory follow-up (CRP and ESR) should be pursued. Detection of the responsible germ is often difficult and requires great care in sampling and analysis. The frequency of Haemophilus in children under 4 years of age requires adaptation of antibiotic therapy. In newborns, diagnosis is often difficult and delayed, explaining the frequency of sequelae in this age group. The only important prognostic factor is the interval before beginning treatment.