[Septic arthritis in neonates and infants].
BACKGROUND
Septic arthritis represents an intra-articular infection caused by pyogenic bacteria. During the earliest childhood it is considered to be a systemic septic condition and demands early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment.


METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of patients with septic arthritis treated at the Department of Orthopedics of the Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad, over a 10-year period. We are also presenting a case of a 12-day-old newborn baby, with clear radiological signs of osteoarthritis of the right knee.


RESULTS
A retrospective study included the period 1991-2000, and showed that 15 patients, aged 10 days--12 months were treated for osteoarthritis. The most common localization was the hip, in 60% of cases. In 11 patients the causative agent was Staphylococcus aureus, while in the 4 remaining patients the bacteriologic finding was negative. One patient died of generalized sepsis.


CONCLUSIONS
In neonates and infants septic arthritis is characterized by atypical clinical picture, often causing delayed diagnosis. In the initial phases of the disease ultrasonographic findings were of greater use compared to radiological imaging, due to relatively late appearance of radiological signs of disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to possible development of serious and irreversible damage, even lethal outcome, septic arthritis requires early diagnosis, prompt administration of antibiotics and early surgical treatment. It is a quite unique area in Pediatric Orthopedics where missed or delayed diagnosis may have serious consequences.
Gajdobranski
Dorde
D
Klinika za decju hirurgiju, Institut za zdravstvenu zastitu dece i omladine, 21000 Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 10. nemjeljo@Eunet.yu
Petković
Lazar
L
Komarcević
Aleksandar
A
Tatić
Milanka
M
Marić
Dusan
D
Pajić
Milos
M
D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006621:Hip Joint; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007719:Knee Joint; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis