Septic Arthritis of the Hip
What is it: A bacterial infection within the hip joint. Most commonly occurring in young children and may be associated with osteomyelitis.
How does it present: Patients report groin pain that may radiate medially down the thigh. Pain can be acute or sub-acute, increases to excruciating levels.
Common exam findings: Fever and restricted of range of motion are commonly seen. Patients commonly keep hip flexed and externally rotated and erythema of skin overlying the hip may be present.
Tests and treatment: AP view of the pelvis along with AP and lateral radiographs of the hip should be obtained to evaluate for evidence of osteomyelitis. A septic hip is an emergency and immediate diagnostic joint aspiration should be arranged with surgical consult for management. A CBC, ESR or CRP and blood cultures can assist in management decisions. Treatment usually requires surgical drainage and antibiotics.