Abstract
Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis show similar problems in diagnosis and treatment.
The majority of bone or joint infections are caused by spread of the bacteria through
the bloodstream or occasionally by entry of organisms through an open wound, by puncture
or by extension of infection from adjacent tissue. The most common causative organism
is Staphylococcus aureus but many other organisms may be responsible for a bone or joint infections. Successful
treatment of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in infancy and childhood depends on
early recognition and prompt institution of therapy. Inappropriate or delayed treatment
may result in chronic osteomyelitis or irreversible joint destruction. This article
reviews current information regarding pathogenesis, epidemiology and microbiology
of pediatric osteomyelitis and septic arthritis and the clinical presentation, diagnosis
and treatment of these infections.
Keywords
Osteoarticular infections - child - antibiotic therapy
