Evaluation of etiologies and results of treatment of septic arthritis of large joints in patients under 5 years old as a phenomenon needs emergency intervention

Abstract

Objective: The basic goal of study is to determine the etiologies and treatment results of septic arthritis of shoulder, hip and knee joint in patients under 5 years old. Other purposes were estimation of the predisposing factors in development of septic arthritis, determination of frequency of clinical signs and symptoms in patients, determination of male-female ratio, estimation of importance of laboratory studies and most importantly evaluation of complications. Method and material: We studied 56 patients (under 5 years) who having septic arthritis in shoulder, hip and knee in Shohada Hospital between 2000-2005 years. We gathered the necessary information in a previously provided check list form. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively. Results: 56 patients, under 5 years;(female: 17, male: 39) were treated for septic arthritis of the joints shoulder, hip and knee. 17 patients had knee septic arthritis, 33 patients had hip septic arthritis and 6 patients had shoulder septic arthritis. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism on all age groups. A good result has been found with arthrotomy with antibiotic therapy in these patients. In general predominance among males is evident. Conclusion: Although joint infections are quite common; the diagnosis of septic arthritis is not always straight forward. The most important goal in treating of septic arthritis is to confirm diagnosis and if possible identify the specific pathogen involved. Prompt arthrotomy and prompt evaluation of purulent joint fluid appears to be crucial both for preservation of articular cartilage and for resolution of the infection. [Amin Moradi, Yashar Hasehmi aghdam, Ali Sadighi, Mohammad-ali Mohseni, Bahram Samadi-rad, Sanaz Rahimi. Evaluation of etiologies and results of treatment of septic arthritis of large joints in patients under 5 years old as a phenomenon needs emergency intervention. Life Sci J 2012; 9(4): 4324-4328]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.