Bone And Joint Infection Research Paper

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Pages: 5

Bone and Joint Infections, Child

Joint infections are called septic or infectious arthritis. An infected joint may damage cartilage and tissue very quickly. This may destroy the joint. Bone infections (osteomyelitis) can last for years (become chronic). Your child's joints may stiffen if left untreated. Bacteria are the most common causes. However, viruses and fungi can be the problem. Infection with fungi is rare.
CAUSES

Children have bacteria in the bloodstream commonly. An injury can produce a local environment conducive to bacteria multiplying and producing infection in a bone or joint. Generally the infection goes from the bone into the adjacent joint in children. Children may also get a bone or joint infection if bruising the bone causes
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They may help detect fluid collections around a joint, abnormal bone surfaces, or be useful in diagnosing septic arthritis or bone infection. They can find soft tissue swelling and find excess fluid in an infected joint. Other tests that may give more detailed information include:

Ultrasound.

CT (computerized tomography).

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

The best test for diagnosing a bone or joint infection is an aspiration or biopsy. Your child's caregiver will usually use a local anesthetic and sedation. The caregiver can then sample tissue from a bone injury or use a needle to take fluids from an infected joint. A local anesthetic numbs the area to be biopsied. Tests performed on the samples can find an infection and discover the cause.

Blood tests such as sedimentation rate (ESR) and c-reactive protein (CRP) are helpful in diagnosing infection.

TREATMENT

Treatment can help control long-standing infections. Infections may come back.

Infections can infect any bone or joint at any
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Most commonly, this is a problem of a child with a compromised immune system or a chronically sick child.

Osteomyelitis left untreated can become a never-ending infection. It can spread to other areas of your child's body. It may eventually cause bone death. Reduced limb or joint function can result. In severe cases, this condition may require removal of a limb. Spinal osteomyelitis is very dangerous. Untreated, it may damage spinal nerves and cause death.

The most common complication of septic arthritis is osteoarthritis with pain and decreased range of motion of the joint.

Some forms of treatment may include:

If the infection is caused by bacteria, it is generally treated with antibiotics. Your child will likely receive the drugs through a vein (intravenously) for anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. In some cases, especially with children, oral antibiotics following an initial intravenous dose may be effective. The treatment depends on the:

Type of bacteria.

Location of the infection.

Type of surgery that might be done.

Other health conditions or issues your child might