ABSTRACT

Bacterial infection of a joint is referred to as septic arthritis; although, strictly speaking, any bacterial infection might qualify, in practice the term is restricted to joint infections caused by pyogenic bacteria. Septic arthritis is more common in infants and toddlers than in older children. In infants the hips, knees, shoulders and ankles are the usual sites and often more than one joint is affected. The infection can cause permanent damage and disability if treatment is delayed; hence early recognition with prompt medical and surgical treatment is imperative.