[Septic arthritis of the hip in infancy--diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities]

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the hip in infancy is a serious condition which, if left untreated, results in disastrous sequelae and gross invalidity. Treatment is difficult and requires precise perception of characteristic clinical symptoms and signs, application of appropriate diagnostic procedures (laboratory analyses, ultrasound, radiography, joint aspiration, and occasionally additional methods), as well as parenteral administration of adequate antibiotics and obligatory surgical treatment. Differential-diagnostic spectrum of conditions similar to septic hip arthritis is large and diverse. Successful treatment is based on establishing the diagnosis on time, which is only achievable by methodical application of diagnostic protocol for septic hip arthritis in all suspected cases.