[Nonspecific sacroiliac joint arthritis in children]

The authors present their experiences in diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac joint arthritis in 7 children, that were admitted to Orthopaedic Ward of University Children's Hospital in Cracow, Poland in years 2000-2004. The mean age at the time of admission was 11,6 years (6-17). Main complaints given by patients were as follows: affected side buttock pain (3 patients), sacroiliac pain (2 patients) and hip pain (2 patients). All patients presented antalgic walk. Four patients were pyretic with temperature over 38 degrees C. On examination, symptoms in all patients included pain on palpation over affected sacroiliac joint and painful hip movements in flexion, abduction and external rotation (positive FABER sign). No hip flexion contracture was noted. The mean time of complaints duration was 20 days to the time of admission. Inflammatory markers were elevated in all cases, positive blood culture was found in 3. Diagnosis was confirmed by positive Technetium bone scan in all patients. Additionally, arthritic changes were found in CT scan in 4 cases and MRI in 1. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics for mean time 4.8 weeks (3-8), until CRP reached normal level and remained stable. Treatment result in all patient was good, with no negative consequences after.