Neonatal septic arthritis of the hip

From greek.doctor
  • 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