Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Concomitant Periarticular Infections in Septic Arthritis of Large Joints in

Varun Garg1, Vivek Singh1, Roop Bhusan Kalia1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.

Abstract

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aids in diagnosing adjacent infections in pediatric septic arthritis. This imaging technique improves patient outcomes and treatment by identifying concomitant periarticular infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Septic arthritis with adjacent infections poses diagnostic challenges due to similar clinical presentations.
  • Distinguishing between isolated and complicated septic arthritis requires advanced diagnostic tools.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is explored for its role in identifying concomitant infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of MRI in diagnosing co-existing infections in pediatric large joint septic arthritis.
  • To assess the impact of MRI-detected concomitant infections on patient outcomes and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases in January 2022.
  • Data extraction included study details, demographics, infection rates, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and patient outcomes.
  • Seven studies involving 499 pediatric patients were included in the review.

Main Results:

  • 42.48% of patients had concomitant periarticular infections, frequently osteomyelitis (41.84%).
  • Patients with periarticular infections experienced longer antibiotic durations and hospital stays.
  • A higher percentage of patients with concomitant infections (61.11%) required a second surgical procedure compared to those without (32.5%).

Conclusions:

  • MRI appears beneficial for diagnosing complicated septic arthritis involving adjacent infections.
  • Further multi-center randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm MRI's efficacy and impact on patient care.
  • Optimizing diagnostic strategies with MRI can potentially improve outcomes for children with septic arthritis.

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