Q.4)
What does your doctor do?
A.4)
After clinically examining the patient, the doctor shall investigate
the child. He may do some blood tests and X-Ray of the affected
extremity. If there is an element of doubt, further investigations
like Radioisotope scan, MRI may be done. On suspicion, aspiration
of the joint may be done to check for pus. If pus is present it
is sent for further testing namely- organism detection and drug
sensitivity.
Q.5)
Is aspiration of the joint required?
A.5)
Aspiration of the joint is both diagnostic and therapeutic. It
works very well for superficial joints and in early stages of
infection deep-seated joints e.g. hip joint. Surgery is more effective
especially if pus is thick . If it is managed by aspiration, then
a repeat aspiration may be required depending on the clinical
sign and symptoms.
Microarthroscopy
is a procedure by which a wash to the joint is given and the joint
is visualized . It is usually done for knee joint. Surgery is
the process by which pus is drained and if bone is infected, it
is cleaned off.
Q.6)
How long does my child need to take antibiotics either intravenously/
orally?
A.6)
For how long should the child be on an antibiotic is controversial.
Intravenous antibiotics are usually given till both signs &
symptoms resolve, usually for 1-2 weeks. By convention 2-4 weeks
of oral Antibiotics are required for a full cure.
Q.7)
Will my child’s joint have to be splinted/ rested and for
how long?
A.7)
In uncomplicated cases, the joint is splinted for a few days.
When child starts moving extremely actively, the splint or the
support may be removed.
Q.8)
Is physiotherapy required for the joint and when?
A.8)
Physiotherapy is not required until complications occur.
Q.9)
What are the precautions to be taken to prevent it?
A.9)
Septic arthritis is difficult to prevent and the only precaution
that should be taken is to make sure that your child is healthy.
Also, the diagnosis of the infection is suspected when child is
unwell e.g. respiratory infection, urinary tract infection. The
diagnosis should never be delayed.
Last updated on 13-06-2001
