ABSTRACT
Joint infection is not common. It occurs by haematogenous spread, penetrating injury or by spread from neighbouring osteomyelitis, either because of the intracapsular location of the metaphysis in the hip or by transphyseal spread in the infant. A delay in diagnosis is frequent and may lead to severe joint destruction, especially in the infant. Approximately one-third occur under the age of 2 years and half by the age of 3. More than one joint is involved in 10% of cases. The sex incidence is equal. Immunocompromised and elderly patients are increasingly affected.
