Residual effects of septic arthritis in infancy and childhood

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Abstract
Septic arthritis affects weight-bearing joints in 75% of cases. When the disease occurs in infancy, joint dysfunction may not be apparent until many mo. later. Of 49 children who had 50 episodes of septic arthritis from 1 1/2-12 yr earlier (mean, 4.3 yr), 13 (27%) had sequelae, and in 8 (16%), there was impairment of ambulation. Residual damage was more common with hip and ankle involvement than with knee joint disease. Sequelae were equally common after Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Evaluation at the time of hospital discharge correctly identified only 4 of the 13 children with sequelae, and 4 others who were normal at follow-up were thought to have permanent damage at discharge. Children with sequelae tended to be sick longer before diagnosis, and drainage of pus was delayed.

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