A L Akinyoola1, P O Obiajunwa, L M Oginni. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. aakinyoola@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis is an important osteoarticular infection in children. There is insufficient data on its pattern of presentation and sequelae in our environment. OBJECTIVE: To identify the aetiologic factors, patterns of presentation and sequelae of septic arthritis in Nigerian children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical, roentgenographic and laboratory records of children with septic arthritis admitted over a 14-year period to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria was undertaken. RESULTS: Ninety three patients with septic arthritis involving 104 joints with a mean age of 4.5 years +/- SD (range 2 months to 15 years) were studied. The most commonly involved joint was the hip (48.4%) though the shoulder was the most commonly affected joint in infancy (36%). Trauma (a history of fall and intramuscular injection) was associated in 28% of the cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant aetiologic bacterial agent (50%) even in patients with sickle cell disease. Anaemia was a common complication (64.5%). The overall result of treatment was unsatisfactory as only 37.7% had complete resolution while most had varying degrees of joint destruction resulting in limb length discrepancy and ankylosis.
BACKGROUND:Septic arthritis is an important osteoarticular infection in children. There is insufficient data on its pattern of presentation and sequelae in our environment. OBJECTIVE: To identify the aetiologic factors, patterns of presentation and sequelae of septic arthritis in Nigerian children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical, roentgenographic and laboratory records of children with septic arthritis admitted over a 14-year period to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria was undertaken. RESULTS: Ninety three patients with septic arthritis involving 104 joints with a mean age of 4.5 years +/- SD (range 2 months to 15 years) were studied. The most commonly involved joint was the hip (48.4%) though the shoulder was the most commonly affected joint in infancy (36%). Trauma (a history of fall and intramuscular injection) was associated in 28% of the cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant aetiologic bacterial agent (50%) even in patients with sickle cell disease. Anaemia was a common complication (64.5%). The overall result of treatment was unsatisfactory as only 37.7% had complete resolution while most had varying degrees of joint destruction resulting in limb length discrepancy and ankylosis.