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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
04:41
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Acute septic arthritis in children
Muslim M Al Saadi1, Fahad A Al Zamil, Nada A Bokhary
1Department of Pediatrics, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia. malsaadi@yahoo.com
Summary
Acute septic arthritis is common in young children, often affecting the knee and hip. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to excellent outcomes for pediatric septic arthritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Acute septic arthritis presents a significant healthcare challenge in pediatric populations.
- This study investigates the demographic, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome aspects of acute septic arthritis in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiological characteristics of acute septic arthritis in children.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review was conducted on children aged 14 years or younger diagnosed with septic arthritis between January 1997 and December 2006.
- Inclusion criteria required bacteriologic and/or radiologic confirmation of septic arthritis.
Main Results:
- Sixty-five pediatric patients (mean age 3.3 years) were included, with over half under two years old.
- Common symptoms included pain (92%), fever (77%), and limited joint movement (77%). The knee and hip were most frequently affected joints.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (39% of isolates). Advanced imaging like Tc-labeled bone scans and MRI showed high diagnostic yields.
Conclusions:
- Septic arthritis in this series was most prevalent in young infants, typically affecting a single joint, particularly the knee and hip.
- Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes in pediatric septic arthritis.
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