Acute septic arthritis in infancy and childhood

Abstract

Acute septic arthritis in childhood and infancy is an uncommon condition. Early diagnosis and early introduction of adequate treatment can prevent the crippling sequelae, especially when the hip joint of an infant is involved. Successful treatment of acute septic arthritis demands adherence to two fundamental principles: the antimicrobial agent used must achieve effective concentrations within the joint and the purulent contents of the infected joint must be resorbed by the host or removed by the medical attendant.