Pediatric bone and joint infections. Diagnosis and antimicrobial management.

Bone and joint infections in children provide unique clinical challenges. When evaluating children with suspected bone and joint infection, the differential diagnosis is broad. Consideration must be given to possible neoplastic and traumatic causes. Appropriate imaging and diagnostic techniques should be initiated without delay. Orthopedic consultation for surgical evaluation should be made early. Prolonged use of antibiotics is often warranted. Treatment often is continued in the outpatient setting, requiring frequent follow-up with appropriate serial laboratory studies to monitor side effects of antimicrobial agents.