11 Sep 09 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH/BONE AND JOINT DISORDERS: ARTHRITIS, SEPTIC

Cause

Septic arthritis is caused by infection of a joint, most often with a Staphylococcus or Haemophilus germ which has spread from a preceding skin or upper respiratory tract infection.

Clinical features

Septic arthritis occurs most commonly during the first year of life. The onset of illness may be quite sudden and the baby usually has a fever and is generally unwell. Swelling over the affected joint is marked and the baby may not move the affected limb due to pain. A toddler may begin to limp.

X-rays and blood tests can help in confirming the diagnosis. In addition, a special bone scan is usually performed to highlight the areas of infection. Sometimes fluid is aspirated from the joint under local anaesthetic using a needle, and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

When to see your doctor

• if your child has an unexplained fever, or is generally unwell;

• if your child has any swelling or pain over a joint, or is reluctant to use one limb or part of a limb.

Treatment

If your child is suspected of having septic arthritis, it is usual to admit him to hospital for thorough investigation and immediate treatment with the appropriate intravenous antibiotics. The stay in hospital is usually from 10 days to 2 weeks. Only in the most severe cases is surgical drainage necessary.

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