Septic arthritis in childhood

Fifty-two cases of nontuberculous purulent arthritis seen at the Tobey Hospital during a 16 year period following the introduction of antibiotic therapy were reviewed. The clinical picture was found to be a consistent one with only one or two joints involved. There was usually high fever, leukocytosis, and severe pain, tenderness, and swelling of the involved joints. Early arthrocentesis with attempts to isolate the causative organism is important. Although antibiotic therapy has virtually eliminated the mortality from septic arthritis, significant residual disability occurs, especially when the hip is involved. Methods to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment are discussed.