Bilateral Knee Lyme Arthritis in Children: A Report of 3 Cases

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 May 12;13(2). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00719. eCollection 2023 Apr 1.

Abstract

Cases: Three patients presented with bilateral knee pain, effusion, decreased range of motion, and difficulty ambulating. Synovial analysis demonstrated leukocytosis in bilateral knees with positive serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All cases were managed with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. One patient developed chronic Lyme arthritis and underwent arthroscopic synovectomy.

Conclusion: Bilateral knee arthritis is a possible presentation of Lyme disease in children. Accurate diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can lead to satisfactory outcomes. Arthroscopic synovectomy may be indicated if conservative treatment fails.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Lyme Disease* / complications
  • Lyme Disease* / diagnosis
  • Lyme Disease* / drug therapy
  • Synovectomy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents