Children are highly susceptible for joint infections. Any joint of body can catch infection but most common is hip joint. The infection of joints or septic arthritis is caused by staphylococcus aureus and similar bacteria found in living environments. Joint infection adversely affects the child’s growth and leads to physical dysfunction. It should be treated as an emergency basis.
Poor hygiene and low immunity is the two most common reasons for catching the infection in children. Although there are many other reasons for joint infection. Most common bacteria are staphylococcus aureus but other bacteria can do the same found in living environments, and can infect the joint of young children easily.
The symptoms of joint infection (septic arthritis) may differ from one child to another. The normal symptoms of infection of joints are fever, pain, and difficulty in moving the infected joints. Some children even feel lethargic and irritable, poor diet etc when their joints are infected by bacteria.
Clinical examination is most important part of diagnosis. A skilled pediatric orthopaedician always examine the child’s infected joints after discussing the symptoms and medical history. They even ask the child to move the infected joint, and observe if the child experiences pain while moving the infected body part.
It’s a medical emergency. If surgeon feels that there is a collection inside the joint then he usually aspirate the joint with thick bore needle to confirm the pus. If there is pus in the aspiration then need to operate the child.
If treated timely and correctly then results are good. Neglected or delayed case may results in septic sequel like damage of joint with secondary changes. Parents should take timely consultation with treating physician.
