Septic Arthritis

Bacteria may enter in joint in several different ways: hematogenously through direct extension from adjacenties that has decompressed through an intra-articular metaphysic or by direct inoculation.

The presence of bacteria within the joint causes on increase in the production of synovital fluid and initial decrease in its viscosity. Within a few hours frank pus accumulates.

The child who presents an osteoarticular infection usually complains of bone pain and may be unable to move the affected extremity.

Classically the patient has a fever or general malaise as well as a history of a recent upper respiratory infection other infection that offers a clue as to the source of bacteria.

Septic arthritis develops in intents in two distinctly different groups. The first is the sick, premature neonate who is hospitalized and may have obvious risk factors for infection.

The second is the neonate, who is not systemically ill and has discharged from the hospital, is developing and feeding normally and May only exhibit irritability or fever.