Septic Bone and Joint Surgery

However it can also occur in children with no risk factors. Not willing to walk, weight bear or use the affected limb Generally unwell, not eating, irritable Fever Recent infection e. Ear, throat or urinary tract infection. Heart rate Blood pressure Temperature Oxygen level Breathing rate. The child will be extremely irritable on any movement of the affected limb or joint.

Osteomyelitis / Septic arthritis

Often in cases of Septic arthritis of the hip the child will hold the limb in a flexed position. Often X-rays are not sufficient on their own to provide the diagnosis so more advanced imaging is needed. For Osteomyelitis an MRI is often the imaging modality of choice. It is a safe form of imaging and provides no radiation. If Septic arthritis is suspected an Ultrasound test may be carried out.

The ultrasound can show whether or not there is a collection of fluid in the joint, which may indicate infection. If the child has symptoms and examination findings of Septic arthritis, they are given a general anaesthetic and a sample of fluid is taken from the involved joint and analysed for infection.

If infection or pus is found, the joint must be opened and washed out in theatre immediately. Treatment of Osteomyelitis and Septic arthritis is different, however the two can occur together. The main treatment of osteomyelitis is intravenous antibiotics. This is often for a prolonged period of at least 6 weeks.

This can necessitate staying in hospital for the initial period of the infection, however often the antibiotics can be administered at home. Children have to be monitored to ensure the treatment is working with regular visits and blood tests. Occasionally if antibiotics alone are not sufficient to fight the infection, surgical removal of the infection is required. This involves opening up the bone involved and removing the infected bone material. Septic arthritis is an orthopaedic emergency. The only treatment option is to surgically open the joint arthrotomy and wash out the infection in the joint.

Samples of the infection are also taken at the time of surgery and sent for analysis.

Surgery for Osteomyelitis

This provides important information to insure the most effective combination of antibiotics can be given. Intravenous antibiotics are usually required for a prolonged period, often up to 6 weeks. The outcome depends on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated. It is therefore important that any child that develops any of the above symptoms is assessed by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner such as a GP or brought directly to the Emergency Department.

Delayed diagnosis can lead to worse outcomes. Septic arthritis can cause destruction of the cartilage within a joint and this can lead to post infection arthritis in that joint. IITOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein.

Surgery for Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is a painful infection in a joint. The infection can come from germs that travel through your bloodstream from another part of your body. Septic arthritis can also occur when a penetrating injury delivers germs directly into the joint. Infants and older adults are most likely to develop septic arthritis.

Osteomyelitis / Septic arthritis

Knees are most commonly affected, but septic arthritis also can affect hips, shoulders and other joints. The infection can quickly and severely damage the cartilage and bone within the joint, so prompt treatment is crucial. Treatment involves draining the joint with a needle or surgically. Antibiotics also are usually needed to treat the infection.

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Septic arthritis typically causes extreme discomfort and difficulty using the affected joint. The joint could be swollen, red and warm, and you might have a fever. See your doctor if you have sudden onset of severe pain in a joint. Prompt treatment can help minimize joint damage. Septic arthritis can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections.

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Bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus staph is the most common cause. Staph commonly lives on even healthy skin. Septic arthritis can develop when an infection, such as a skin infection or urinary tract infection, spreads through your bloodstream to a joint.