Septic Arthritis Hip

Septic Arthritis of Hip is relatively uncommon condition in children, but it should be suspected in a child who is ill, toxic and unable to walk. Movement of the affected joint is not possible because of pain. Diagnosis is confirmed by raised white cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and perhaps by effusion on ultrasound images. No test is perfectly sensitive or specific, so expert clinical judgement is required.

Urgent surgical drainage should be done to save the hip joint from destruction or to reduce the risk of late osteoarthritis.

• Diagnosis may be particularly difficult in neonates.
• Staphylococcus aureus  is the usual infective organism.
• Patient will need long term antibiotic  therapy.
• Weight bearing should be avoided until complete recovery.