Septic arthritis of the elbow in a child due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case report

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2014 May;23(3):285-7. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000016.

Abstract

We present a rare case of septic arthritis of the elbow in a child caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. In our patient, the 15-day delay before drainage may have led to the osteomyelitis of the capitulum and resulted in some persistent radiographic abnormalities. Although our patient has no subjective symptoms 5 years postoperatively, he has a slightly abnormal range of motion and gross lateral instability. Children with elbow pain and/or swelling with fever should be carefully examined for septic arthritis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa should always be kept in mind in such cases to avoid any delay in effective treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Infectious / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Infectious / microbiology*
  • Arthritis, Infectious / surgery
  • Elbow Joint / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification*