Acute bone and joint infections in children and therapeutic options

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.