Needle arthroscopy in the treatment of bacterial arthritis of the hip in a neonate and two infants

Abstract

Bacterial arthritis in paediatrics is a potentially devastating disease. It can cause permanent damage to the joint leading to degenerative changes, possible growth deformities or failure, and might even result in death. An arthrotomy allows for sufficient irrigation. It might however lead to increased iatrogenic damage and unesthetic scarring. A new technical innovation, so-called needle arthroscopy, might reduce these side effects. The purpose of this case series is to show the safety and efficacy of the use of the 1.9-mm needle arthroscopic lavage in the management of neonates and infants with bacterial arthritis. All three cases are successfully managed using needle arthroscopy.

Keywords

• Bacterial arthritis
• Septic
• Needle arthroscopy
• Neonate
• Infant
• Arthroscopy