Septic hip

Description

Septic hip or infected hip joint. Infection of the hip joint usually caused by bacteria. The bacteria can reach to the joint through the blood or directly entering to the joint due the trauma. If it is not treated, the infection can cause permanent damage of the joint. Previous surgeries and compromised immune system increase the risk for appearance of this disease. Children are particularly susceptible to the infecton of hip joint.

Symptoms

Swelling of joint, severe pain in the joint, fever, redness of the joint, the affected leg being immobile, poor appetite, vomiting.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Synovial fluid (joint fluid) will be taken with a needle from the joint for the analysis. This procedure can be done using the ultrasound. Diagnosis is set based on the identification of bacteria in joint fluid.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), analysis of urine and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Hemoculture, analysis of synovial fluid, culture of synovial fluid.

Specialists

Orthopedic Surgery

Therapy

Antibiotics are needed for treatment of infection. Usually the infected fluid should be surgically removed and the joint should be cleaned.