Neonatal septic arthritis of the hip, the bacterial infection of the hip of the child, is a surgical emergency. If not treated rapidly it will cause permanent joint damage for the developing hip.
Epidemiology
50% occur in children < 2 years
Hip is involved in 1/3 of all neonatal septic arthritides
Risk factors
Prematurity
C-section
Trauma
Infection
Clinical features
Acute pain
Fever
Limping
Swelling
Prognosis
Delayed diagnosis and treatment will cause permanent joint damage
Femoral head destruction
Joint contracture
Gait abnormalities
Treatment
Emergency surgical incision and drainage, followed by IV antibiotics
