In infancy, bone and joint infections in children, such as septic arthritis, are frequently observed, with the hip joint being commonly affected. The primary culprits are often staphylococcus, streptococcus, and pneumococcus bacteria, with umbilical sepsis being a common source of infection. Early detection is crucial, as symptoms like poor feeding, absence of high temperature, and limb immobility, referred to as "pseudoparalysis," may manifest within a week or ten days after birth. Timely diagnosis, facilitated by imaging tools like X-rays, MRI scans, and, if needed, bone scans, is vital to prevent permanent disability caused by the potential destruction of the femur's head cartilage. oint Infections: Preventing Permanent Damage Early antibiotic therapy, letting out the pus by arthrotomy (opening the joint by surgery) and immobilization will save the joint. If not attended immediately, permanent structural changes will occur in the bones of the hip joint leading on to gross shortening of the affected limb and limitation of movements of the hip joint. Osteomyelitis is inflammation of the bone caused by bacteria. These bacteria may come from tonsillitis, abscess in some part of the body, and respiratory infection and gets into the blood stream and settle down in the bone and that is why it is called as acute hematogenous Osteomyelitis. In children above 18months, there may be a history of mild trauma, followed by temperature. On many occasions, the pain in the leg or thigh is attributed to the trauma and the infection is missed in the bone. The commonest bones that …
May 1, 2023
Bone and Joint Infections in Children
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