Septic arthritis is an inflammation in large joints such as the shoulder and hip, caused by bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci or Haemophilus influenzae. This disease is serious, being more frequent in children center 2-3 years, starting soon after an infection in any part of the body, but often after a respiratory infection.
Septic arthritis in the hip can be divided into three stages:
- Invasion of bacteria within the affected joint; Inflammatory process and pus formation; Destruction of the joint and adhesion, making movement difficult.
The prognosis of this disease depends exclusively on a rapid diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment to prevent the infection from destroying the joint and preventing bone growth, and joint welding and complete hardening.
What are the symptoms
The main symptoms of septic arthritis in the hip are:
- There may be fever; Difficulty moving; Irritability; Severe pain when moving the legs; Stiffness in the leg muscles; The child may refuse to walk, sit or crawl.
The diagnosis of septic arthritis in the hip is made through clinical observation of symptoms, which depends on the experience of the pediatrician. Tests such as hip x-rays are of little value because they may not show any changes, so ultrasound may be more appropriate because it detects inflammatory signs and changes in the anatomy of the joint.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for septic arthritis in the hip aims to save the affected joint, hence the importance of an early diagnosis. Intravenous antibiotics are recommended but after satisfactory results such as a decrease in the accumulated liquid, antibiotics in tablet form can be kept for a few more days. In the most severe cases, the doctor may choose to perform a puncture, drain and / or wash the joint with saline solution, in a surgical environment.
