Sequelae of Septic Arthritis of The Hip

Description: Septic arthritis of the hip may result in a spectrum of pathologic changes on one or both sides of the joint. Although the etiology is most often pyogenic, similar clinical and radiographic findings may be seen with granulomatous infection (tuberculosis). The findings depend upon the severity of the infection, whether treatment was provided during the acute stages, and whether there is a coexisting osteomyelitis of the proximal femur. Treatment is based upon the prescence or abscence of clinical infection, the degree of residual deformity, the patient’s symptoms, and often on cultural variables. Recommendations must be individualized, and the indications and techniques for reconstructive surgery remain controversial.
David A. Spiegel, M.D. J. Norgrove Penny, M.D. Ashok K. Banskota, M.D. Om P. Shrestha, M.D. Global HELP Publication 2007