A review of septic arthritis in children

Abstract

Septic arthritis is a bacterial joint infection which most commonly occurs in children younger than five years of age. Diagnosing septic arthritis in children can be challenging as signs and symptoms can be non-specific. An accurate history, physical exam, laboratory investigations and imaging can contribute to the timely diagnosis of septic arthritis and limit chronic morbidity of joint dysfunction. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology, clinical features, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, special investigations, and management of septic arthritis in children.