Septic Arthritis of the Hip
What is Septic Arthritis of the Hip?
Septic arthritis of the hip is an infection within the hip joint and is a surgical emergency. The infection causes rapid destruction of the articular cartilage and can lead to permanent joint damage if not treated promptly. It is most commonly seen in young children, elderly patients, patients with prosthetic joints and in patients with a compromised immune system.
Infection may reach the joint via the bloodstream, by direct spread from adjacent bone or soft tissue infection, or following a penetrating injury or surgical procedure.
Symptoms of Septic Arthritis of the Hip
Typical symptoms include:
Treatment options
Treatment requires admission to hospital and a combined surgical and medical approach:
• Urgent surgical washout of the hip joint, either arthroscopically or through an open approach, to remove infected material and reduce bacterial load
• Intravenous antibiotics, initially broad spectrum and subsequently guided by culture results, usually for several weeks
• Supportive care including pain management, rehabilitation and monitoring of the systemic response to treatment
Delayed treatment can result in permanent cartilage damage, osteonecrosis and long term hip arthritis, particularly in children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hip arthritis usually develops over time rather than from a single cause. The most common reason is gradual wear of the joint cartilage with age. However, many people develop it earlier due to subtle issues with the shape of the hip, when the ball and socket don’t fit perfectly, it creates uneven pressure that slowly damages the joint. Previous injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can also speed up this process. In some cases, genetics, inflammation, or increased load on the joint (including higher body weight or repetitive stress) contribute.
