title: Early diagnosis of septic arthritis of the hip in neonates.
abstract: Fourteen neonates with septic arthritis of the hip, which had been diagnosed late, were reviewed with the aim of establishing the difficulties of making an early diagnosis. The history, physical signs, blood tests and examination of the synovial fluid are the most important guidelines. Radiography was not helpful as less than 50% of cases show early signs, most often a joint effusion. Early diagnosis and surgical drainage are necessary to avoid permanent damage to the cartilaginous femoral head.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Hospital de Base do Distirto Federal, University of Brasilia, Brazil.
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Vidigal
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Jácomo
mesh_terms: D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001769:Blood / Q000382:microbiology; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000382:microbiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D010808:Physical Examination; D011859:Radiography; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors