Q.10)
What are the consequences of not detecting it early?
A.10)
It can be absolutely disastrous. The child may limp lifelong e.g.
if the ball of the hip joint is destroyed. If the disease is fulminant,
it can even lead to death. Long term, it may lead to shortening
of the leg, deformation of the extremity and joint dislocation.
Hence,
infection should be detected early, ideally within 3-4 days of
symptom onset.
| Figure
3 -Destroyed right hip joint post infection |
 |
Q.11)
What are the chances of recurrence?
A.11)
The chances of recurrence are low. It can occur in a young child
with involvement of multiple joints together or it may recur due
to delayed resolution of infection due to improper treatment.
Q.12)
Which are the commonest joints involved?
A.12)
Hip, Knees, shoulder and elbow in that order the commonest
joints involved. For osteomyelitis, the commonest bones involved
are upper femur, lower femur, upper tibia, and upper humerus in
that order.
Last updated on 13-06-2001
