Analysis of poor prognostic factors for septic arthritis of the hip in children: a case series of 76 patients

Abstract

The clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of children with septic arthritis of the hip in our hospital were analyzed to identify the risk factors for a poor prognosis. The clinical data of 76 children with septic arthritis of the hip who were treated at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the most recent follow-up data, the patients were classified as good prognosis or poor prognosis. The differences between the two groups were analyzed. From January 2010 to December 2020, a total of 76 children with septic arthritis of the hip were admitted to our hospital, comprising 52 (68.4%) with a good prognosis and 24 (31.6%) with a poor prognosis. The risk of a poor prognosis was significantly higher in the group with time from onset to surgery >22 days than in the group with time from onset to surgery <11 days. The risk of poor prognosis in the group with C-reactive protein (CRP) > 100 mg/L was significantly higher than that in the group with CRP < 20 mg/L. Time from onset to surgery >14 days and CRP > 93 mg/L were the cutoff values for a poor prognosis. Significant elevation of CRP and prolonged time from onset to surgery in children with septic arthritis of the hip are risk factors for a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are very important because delays in these factors can lead to a poor prognosis. Level of Evidence: Level II, retrospective study.