When your child gets a bone or joint infection, you should bring them to a doctor right away. They may have a fever, stiffness in the joint, or swelling and pain in the area. The infection can be bacterial, viral, or fungus.
The diagnosis of bone and joint infections in children is usually made by looking at the child’s symptoms, medical history, and physical exam. The doctor might do X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at the bones and joints. They may also take blood or fluid samples from the infected joint and tissue to identify what bacteria are causing the infection.
Some kids get the infection because of an injury, such as a cut or scrape. If your child has a recent cut or scrape, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. Antibiotics can treat the infection by killing off any bacteria that may have gotten into your child’s body.
Bone and joint infections in children often heal on their own if they are diagnosed and treated promptly. However, sometimes these infections require more extensive treatment. In some cases, your child’s doctor will need to use a surgery called arthroscopy, which is performed in an outpatient clinic or hospital.
In some children, it can be difficult to diagnose bone and joint infections because their symptoms are nonspecific. For example, a young child who is irritable but has little physical sign when moved or when left alone might have septic arthritis or a bone infection.
Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection of the musculoskeletal system, including the bone and joints. The infection is caused by bacteria that are present in the blood. The infection spreads to the joint fluid and other parts of the joint, causing swelling and pain.
If your child has septic arthritis, they will likely need to stay in the hospital for several days. They will receive a course of antibiotics that can be taken orally or intravenously. They will also be given medicine to relieve pain.
The goal of treatment for septic arthritis is to make your child feel better. They will probably need to take antibiotics for up to 4 weeks, until the infection has gone away. You and your child may need to keep a follow-up appointment to make sure the infection has been treated and that no other problems have developed.
Most children recover from septic arthritis after the proper treatment. They are not likely to develop the same infection again.
Your child’s doctor will do additional tests to find out what is causing the infection and determine the best treatment for your child. These include blood tests and tissue cultures, which can tell the doctor what bacteria are causing the infection. They may also do X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to find out what is causing the swelling and pain.
Most bone and joint infections can be treated with antibiotics. Your child’s doctor will tell you what type of antibiotics are needed, how long they will last and where your child should get them. The doctor may also recommend other treatments, such as acupuncture or physical therapy.
