Septic arthritis in children
Septic arthritis is important to recognise as prompt treatment can reduce the risk of permanent damage to the joint and systemic infection.
Epidemiology
- has an incidence of around 4-5 per 100,000 children
- more common in boys, M:F ratio = 2:1
The most commonly affected joints are the hip, knee and ankle.
Symptoms
- joint pain
- limp
- fever
- systemically unwell: lethargy
Signs
- swollen, red joint
- typically, only minimal movement of the affected joint is possible
Investigations
- joint aspiration: for culture. Will show a raised WBC
- raised inflammatory markers
- blood cultures
The Kocher criteria for the diagnosis of septic arthritis:
- Non-weight bearing - 1 point