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Nasim O, Khalil A, Khan S, Kohli S, Pantelias C, Banoori F, Durrani A, Karim A, Moverley R. Microbiological Profile and Clinical Features of Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder: A 10-Year Cohort Single-Centre Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e51074. [PMID: 38269230 PMCID: PMC10807700 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Septic arthritis (SA) constitutes a pressing orthopedic emergency characterized by acute, non-traumatic joint pain. Timely diagnosis and intervention are imperative to avert complications such as chondrolysis and systemic sepsis. The etiology is predominantly hematogenous, necessitating an integrated approach involving surgical and microbiological modalities. Shoulder aspiration and microbiological analysis play pivotal roles in guiding treatment, especially when positive findings prompt more aggressive therapeutic strategies. This study aims to elucidate the nuanced clinical and epidemiological characteristics of septic arthritis in both native and prosthetic joints within a singular institutional cohort over a decade. Methods This retrospective case series analysis spanned a 10-year period, focusing on non-prosthetic shoulder joints from January 2012 to July 2021. In this timeframe, only 183 aspirations were performed and sent to the microbiology department for analysis, including cultures, microscopy, and antibiotic sensitivity tests for positive cultures. The study delved into the microbiological profile of infections, encompassing gram stain, culture positivity rates, identification of microorganisms, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Additionally, the incidence of primary joint infections with resistant strains, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was scrutinized. Statistical analysis utilized the SPSS program version 20.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York), with a significance level set at 5%. The project, registered with the trust's clinical audit department (Reg #5372), adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and good clinical practice guidelines. Data collection involved extracting non-identifiable patient modifiers from the laboratory database bank into Excel spreadsheets. Results The study included 183 patients, with 108 (59%) females and 75 (41%) males. The average age was 76.2±16.5 years. Among them, 138 (75.4%) reported pain, and 15 (8.2%) had a body temperature over 37.8°C. Lab results showed a mean white blood cell count of 11.6±4.5 and an average C-reactive protein level of 121.7±102.1. Leucocytosis (>11,000 WBC) was seen in 82 (44.8%) cases. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP; >10 mg/dl) was found in 136 (74.3%) patients. Synovial fluid analysis revealed no crystals in 91.3% of cases. Microbial resistance analysis showed 19 strains resistant to co-trimoxazole and 11 to erythromycin. Among co-trimoxazole-resistant strains, 73.7% were Staphylococcus aureus, a statistically significant association (p<0.001). Conclusion The evolving sensitivity patterns of microbes in septic arthritis underscore the necessity to reassess empirical antibiotic therapy. Subsequent joint damage resulting from infection can result in substantial disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Nasim
- Trauma and Orthopedics, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, GBR
| | - Aamir Khalil
- Trauma and Orthopedics, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, GBR
| | - Salman Khan
- Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Suraj Kohli
- Trauma and Orthopedics, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, GBR
| | - Charalampos Pantelias
- Trauma and Orthopedics, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, GBR
| | - Fatima Banoori
- General Medicine, Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Abdullah Durrani
- Trauma and Orthopedics, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, GBR
| | - Arsallan Karim
- Trauma and Orthopedics, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, GBR
| | - Robert Moverley
- Trauma and Orthopedics, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, GBR
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de Klerk HH, Verweij LPE, Sierevelt IN, Priester-Vink S, Hilgersom NFJ, Eygendaal D, van den Bekerom MPJ. Wide Range in Complication Rates Following Elbow Arthroscopy in Adult and Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy 2023; 39:2363-2387. [PMID: 37146664 DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform a systematic review of complications associated with elbow arthroscopy in adults and children. METHODS A literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Studies reporting complications or reoperations after elbow arthroscopy with at least 5 patients were included. Based on the Nelson classification, the severity of complications was categorized as minor or major. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized clinical trials, and nonrandomized trials were assessed using the Methodological Items for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. RESULT A total of 114 articles were included with 18,892 arthroscopies (16,815 patients). A low risk of bias was seen for the randomized studies and a fair quality for the nonrandomized studies. Complication rates ranged from 0% to 71% (median 3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8%-3.3%), and reoperation rates from 0% to 59% (median 2%; 95% CI, 1.8%-2.2%). A total of 906 complications were observed, with transient nerve palsies (31%) as the most frequent complication. According to Nelson classification, 735 (81%) complications were minor and 171 (19%) major. Forty-nine studies reported complications in adults and 10 studies in children, showing a complication rate ranging from 0% to 27% (median 0%; 95% CI, 0%-0.4%) and 0% to 57% (median 1%; 95% CI, 0.4%-3.5%), respectively. A total of 125 complications were observed in adults, with transient nerve palsies (23%) as the most frequent complication, and 33 in children, with loose bodies after surgery (45%) as the most frequent complication. CONCLUSIONS Predominantly low-level evidence studies demonstrate varying complication rates (median 3%, range 0%-71%) and reoperation rates (median 2%, range 0%-59%) after elbow arthroscopy. Higher complication rates are observed after more complex surgery. The incidence and type of complications can aid surgeons in patient counseling and refining surgical techniques to further reduce the complication rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV; systematic review of Level I-IV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huub H de Klerk
- Amsterdam Shoulder and Elbow Center of Expertise (ASECE), OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and Groningen University, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Lukas P E Verweij
- Amsterdam Shoulder and Elbow Center of Expertise (ASECE), OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Academic Center for Evidence-Based Sports Medicine (ACES), Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Collaboration for Health and Safety in Sports (ACHSS), International Olympic Committee (IOC) Research Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inger N Sierevelt
- Specialized Centre for Orthopedic Research and Education (SCORE), Xpert Clinics, Orthopedic Department, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Orthopaedics, Spaarne Gasthuis Academie, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - Simone Priester-Vink
- Medical Library, Department of Research and Epidemiology, OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nick F J Hilgersom
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Denise Eygendaal
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel P J van den Bekerom
- Amsterdam Shoulder and Elbow Center of Expertise (ASECE), OLVG, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Hayashibara M, Hagino H, Hayashi I, Nagira K, Takasu Y, Mukunoki D, Nagashima H. A case of septic arthritis of the elbow joint in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed by arthroscopic synovectomy. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2023; 7:24-27. [PMID: 35639881 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) septic arthritis of the elbow detected by arthroscopic synovectomy in an 81-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who was initially diagnosed with a rheumatoid arthritis flare-up. The patient was administered abatacept, an antirheumatic biological agent, as the synovial fluid culture was negative. Destruction of the joint progressed despite medication, and the patient underwent arthroscopic synovectomy. MRSA was detected in the culture of the synovium that was collected intraoperatively, and septic arthritis was diagnosed. The infection subsided with anti-MRSA antibiotics, but the patient continued to experience moderate pain and limited motion. In RA patients, it might be difficult to differentiate minor findings from infection. Arthroscopic synovectomy is one of the selectable procedures that should be actively considered when infection is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Hayashibara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hagino
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Ikuta Hayashi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Keita Nagira
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yuta Takasu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Daichi Mukunoki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yowa Hospital, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hideki Nagashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
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Ahmed AF, Alzobi OZ, Hantouly AT, Toubasi A, Farsakoury R, Alkhelaifi K, Zikria B. Complications of Elbow Arthroscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Orthop J Sports Med 2022; 10:23259671221137863. [PMID: 36479463 PMCID: PMC9720815 DOI: 10.1177/23259671221137863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elbow arthroscopic surgery has been popularized and has made significant progress during the past 3 decades. The elbow joint is relatively small and is in close proximity to many neurovascular structures. These factors make elbow arthroscopic surgery technically demanding and liable to complications. PURPOSE To evaluate the rate of complications after elbow arthroscopic surgery. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to perform this systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to July 2021. All clinical studies that reported complications after elbow arthroscopic surgery were included; a total of 1208 articles were initially found. Case reports, reviews, abstracts, imaging studies, technique studies, nonclinical studies, and those not reporting postoperative complications were excluded. Complication rates were pooled across studies and reported as percentages. Complications were expressed as weighted proportions with 95% CIs. RESULTS A total of 95 studies (14,289 elbows) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall weighted complication rate was 11.0% (95% CI, 8.8%-13.5%), with postoperative stiffness being the most commonly encountered complication (4.5% [95% CI, 2.1%-7.6%]; 158/8818 procedures). The second most encountered complication was the need for subsequent surgery with a weighted proportion of 4.1% (95% CI, 2.9%-5.6%; 177/8853 procedures) followed by nerve injury with a weighted proportion of 3.4% (95% CI, 2.6%-4.3%; 267/13,725 procedures). The ulnar nerve was the most commonly injured nerve (2.6% [95% CI, 1.9%-3.4%]; 123/6290 procedures). CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that elbow arthroscopic surgery is a relatively safe procedure with low complication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz F. Ahmed
- Division of Shoulder and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Osama Z. Alzobi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashraf T. Hantouly
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammar Toubasi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rana Farsakoury
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Bashir Zikria
- Division of Shoulder and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
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Arthroscopic débridement has similar 30-day complications compared with open arthrotomy for the treatment of native shoulder septic arthritis: a population-based study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2020; 29:1121-1126. [PMID: 32057658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS This study aimed to determine whether there are significant differences in 30-day perioperative complications between arthroscopic and open débridement (irrigation and débridement [I&D]) for septic arthritis (SA) of the shoulder using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. METHODS Patients undergoing arthroscopic or open I&D of the native shoulder from 2006-2016 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Those with a diagnosis of SA were included in the study. Patients with a concurrent diagnosis of osteomyelitis around shoulder (n = 25) or polyarthritis (n = 2) were excluded from the study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and complications were compared between the groups. Poisson regression, which controlled for age and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, was used to calculate the relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for minor adverse events, serious adverse events, total adverse events, and unplanned reoperations between the 2 treatment groups, with significance set at P < .0125 after Bonferroni correction. RESULTS Overall, 147 and 57 patients underwent arthroscopic and open I&D, respectively, for SA of the shoulder. Patients in the open I&D group were more likely to be smokers (P = .0213), whereas patients in the arthroscopy group had higher ASA scores (P = .0008). After controlling for age and ASA score, we found no significant differences in the risk of minor adverse events (P = .0995), serious adverse events (P = .2241), total adverse events (P = .1871), or unplanned reoperations (P = .3855). CONCLUSION Arthroscopic débridement appears to be a safe alternative to open débridement for SA of the native shoulder. The incidence and risk of 30-day perioperative complications are similar after arthroscopic and open I&D for SA of the shoulder.
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Rausch V, von Glinski A, Rosteius T, Königshausen M, Schildhauer TA, Seybold D, Gessmann J. Secondary purulent infections of the elbow joint: a retrospective, single-center study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:38. [PMID: 31954400 PMCID: PMC6969974 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-3046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Septic arthritis of the elbow joint is a rare condition. Limited data is available on infections of the elbow joint following trauma or prior surgery on this joint. The aim of this study was to describe the etiology, comorbidities, bacterial spectrum and therapy of secondary purulent elbow infections. Methods Patients treated in our hospital were selected through retrospective chart review between 2006 and 2015. We included all patients with an empyema of the elbow after a trauma or surgical intervention on this joint. 30 patients between 26 and 82 years (mean: 52.47) were included. Results Seven patients (23.3%) were female, 23 (76.7%) male. 22 patients (73.3%) had a history of trauma, eight (26.7%) had prior elective surgeries on their elbow. Between one and 25 surgeries (mean: 5.77) were necessary for treatment. In nine patients, debridement and synovectomy were sufficient, eight patients (26.7%) received resection of the elbow joint. One patient was treated with a chronic fistula. In 18 patients (60%), cultures of aspiration/intraoperative swabs were positive for Staphylococcus aureus, four of these were methicillin-resistant. Four patients (13.3%) had positive cultures for Staphylococcus epidermidis, in five patients (16.7%) no bacteria could be cultured. Conclusions Secondary infections of the elbow joint are a rare disease with potentially severe courses, requiring aggressive surgical treatment and possibly severely impacting elbow function. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria in secondary infections and should be addressed by empiric antibiotic treatment when no suspicion for other participating organisms is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Rausch
- Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Alexander von Glinski
- Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Rosteius
- Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Königshausen
- Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas A Schildhauer
- Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dominik Seybold
- Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Gessmann
- Department of General and Trauma Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
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Assunção JH, Noffs GG, Malavolta EA, Gracitelli MEC, Lima ALM, Ferreira Neto AA. Septic arthritis of the shoulder and elbow: one decade of epidemiological analysis at a tertiary referral hospital. Rev Bras Ortop 2018; 53:707-713. [PMID: 30377604 PMCID: PMC6204575 DOI: 10.1016/j.rboe.2017.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with septic arthritis of the shoulder or elbow and to evaluate prognostic factors for complications during treatment. Methods A retrospective case series was studied with patients treated between 2004 and 2014. The patients’ clinical and epidemiological characteristics were collected. The clinical and orthopedic complications were identified and possible prognostic factors were evaluated. Results Twenty-seven patients were analyzed, 17 with septic arthritis of the shoulder and ten of the elbow. Median age was 46 years (IQR, 24.5; 61). Previous joint disease was observed in nine patients (33%). At least one clinical comorbidity was observed in 23 patients (85%). Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 14 cases (52%). Fourteen patients (52%) had at least one clinical complication and five patients died (19%). Nine patients (33%) had some type of orthopedic complication. The time between onset of symptoms and surgical treatment was longer in patients with orthopedic complications (p = 0.020). Regarding the development of clinical complications, leukocytosis on hospital admission time (p = 0.021) and the presence of clinical morbidities (p = 0.041) were predictive factors. Conclusions Septic arthritis of the shoulder and elbow primarily affects individuals who are immunocompromised and/or have clinical comorbidities. S. aureus is the most common pathogen in Brazil. Leukocytosis at hospital admission and the presence of clinical comorbidities are factors associated with the presence of clinical complications. Longer time between onset of symptoms and surgical treatment was correlated with orthopedic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Henrique Assunção
- Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Guelfi Noffs
- Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Angeli Malavolta
- Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Lucia Munhoz Lima
- Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Amado Ferreira Neto
- Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Artrite séptica do ombro e do cotovelo: análise epidemiológica de uma década em um hospital terciário. Rev Bras Ortop 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbo.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Septic arthritis of the elbow in children is a rare but important musculoskeletal infection, and there is little published data to guide treating clinicians. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings, associated pathology, and microbiological profile of septic arthritis of the elbow in a pediatric population. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of children who had an elbow arthrocentesis for presumed septic arthritis and whose joint aspirates were positive for microbial growth. Data collected included demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, imaging, and laboratory data, including culture results. RESULTS Twelve children underwent diagnostic arthrocentesis of the elbow joint for septic arthritis at an average age of 6 years and 9 months (range, 2 mo to 13 y and 7 mo). Every child had pain, localized erythema and edema, and restricted range of motion; 10/12 were febrile. Mean duration of symptoms prior to joint tap was 4 days (range, 1 to 14 d). Concurrent osteomyelitis was found in 7 patients, as confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): 5 at initial presentation and 2 after readmission for persistent symptoms. Causative pathogens were MSSA (7), MRSA (2), Group G streptococcus (1), Pseuodomonas aureginosa (1), and Streptococcus pneumonia (1). ESR was >40 mm/h in 8/11 patients, CRP was >2 mg/dL in all patients, and synovial WBC count was >50,000 cells/mm in 8/9 patients. One patient developed fulminant sepsis during hospitalization and 2 children were readmitted within 30 days of discharge for unrecognized osteomyelitis and/or recurrence of septic arthritis of the elbow. CONCLUSION In 12 children studied with septic arthritis, S. aureus was the most common pathogen. Diagnosis is often delayed, and in most cases inflammatory markers were elevated (ESR>40 mm/h, CRP>2 mg/dL). Concomitant osteomyelitis is quite common, and therefore magnetic resonance imaging should be considered as part of the diagnostic work-up for this condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV—Case series.
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