Diagnosis and Management of Paediatric Osteoarticular Infections

Despite advances in treatment and understanding of paediatric osteoarticular infections, management of children with these infections continue to be a challenge due to delayed diagnosis and treatment and emergence of virulent pathogens. The most common paediatric osteoarticular infections include septic arthritis and acute osteomyelitis. The recommended approach is multi-disciplinary management and the mainstay of treatment is parenteral antibiotics. Complications are seen mostly with MRSA and Staphylococcus aureus strains that produce Panton-Valentine leucocidin and in children who have underlying risk factors. Children with septic arthritis and complicated osteomyelitis often need surgical interventions.