Age Pattern and Bone Predilection in Paediatric Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis: A Retrospective Analysis at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: Pediatric musculoskeletal infections, specifically septic arthritis (SA) and osteomyelitis (OM), are significant causes of morbidity. Understanding local epidemiological trends is vital for early diagnosis and empirical management. Objectives: To analyze age-specific patterns and the anatomical predilection of bones and joints affected by SA and OM in a tertiary hospital setting. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed pediatric patients (0–18 years) diagnosed with SA or OM over 8 years. Data on age, gender, infection site, and microbiology were analyzed. Results: A retrospective analysis of 210 pediatric cases revealed a male preponderance (58%). The mean age was 10.8 years. The tibia (21%) and femur (20%) were the most common bones involved in OM. A significant portion of the cohort (29%) presented with SA, with the hip (18%) and knee (14%) being the most frequently affected joints. Chronic presentations and post-infectious sequelae, such as joint dislocations and pathological fractures, were prevalent, particularly in cases involving the proximal femur and hip joint. Conclusion: Long bones of the lower limb and the major weight-bearing joints (hip and knee) are the primary sites of pediatric musculoskeletal infections at our center. The significant incidence of joint-related sequelae highlights the critical importance of early surgical debridement and long-term follow-up in managing these infections to preserve joint function and limb alignment. Keywords: Pediatric orthopedics, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, bone predilection, epidemiology.