Septic Arthritis of the Hip in Children

A Critical Analysis Review

Abstract

• » Septic arthritis of the hip is a common and potentially devastating condition in children.
• » Septic arthritis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but other pathogens should be considered on the basis of patient age and presence of risk factors.
• » Diagnosis of septic arthritis is based on history and physical examination, laboratory tests, radiographs, ultrasound, and arthrocentesis.
• » Treatment comprises empiric antibiotics and joint debridement, and antibiotics are subsequently tailored on the basis of culture data, local resistance patterns, and clinical response.
• » Late sequelae of septic arthritis include osteonecrosis, chondrolysis, growth disturbance, subluxation or dislocation, and progressive ankylosis. Surgical treatments to address these issues have been described.