The Journal of infection
-
The Journal of infection · Sep 2008
Native hip joint septic arthritis in 20 adults: delayed presentation beyond three weeks predicts need for excision arthroplasty.
Septic arthritis of native hip joints is an uncommon condition in adults in Western Europe, but continues to present a challenge to medical and surgical management. We set out to study the natural history and bacteriology of the disease in this group, with a particular focus on patients requiring excision arthroplasty (EA). ⋯ In cases that present promptly, combined surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics should be expected to eradicate infection and to salvage the femoral head. Cases presenting following a delay are more likely to require EA and subsequent hip reconstruction.