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Septic arthritis of the hip and knee treated surgically in pediatric patients: Analysis of the Kids' Inpatient
Mikhail Tretiakov1, Frank S Cautela1, Sarah E Walker1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
Insights
The incidence of septic arthritis in children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopaedics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Septic arthritis of the hip or knee is an emergent pediatric orthopaedic condition.
- Understanding incidence trends and demographic associations is crucial for public health and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of septic hip and knee arthritis in pediatric patients over time.
- To examine associations between race, demographics, and hospital-related parameters in this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Kids' Inpatient Database (1997-2012).
- Identified pediatric patients diagnosed with septic hip or knee arthritis who underwent incision and drainage.
Main Results:
- Overall incidence of septic arthritis of the knee increased from 0.20 to 0.33 per 100,000.
- Overall incidence of septic arthritis of the hip increased from 0.12 to 0.18 per 100,000.
- Patient demographics, including age and race, showed variations.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of pediatric septic joint arthritis has risen over time.
- Demographic factors such as age and race are associated with variations in pediatric septic arthritis cases.
Objective:
This study evaluated incidence over time, any association between race and demographics, and hospital-related parameters in pediatric patients with septic hip or knee arthritis.
Methods:
The Kids' Inpatient Database was used to identify all children with a diagnosis of septic hip or knee arthritis who underwent incision and drainage (1997-2012).
Results:
Between 1997 and 2012, overall incidence of septic arthritis of the knee (0.20-0.33 per 100,000) and hip (0.12-0.18 per 100,000) increased.
Conclusion:
Incidence of pediatric septic joint arthritis, an emergent orthopaedic condition, has increased over time. Patient demographics may vary with respect to both age and race.

