Pediatric musculoskeletal infections

Abstract

Purpose of review The aim of this article is to review the recent guidelines and literature regarding the diagnosis and the treatment of common pediatric musculoskeletal infections: septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, and Lyme disease. Recent findings In the last decade, a better understanding of the causative organisms of common bacterial infections, including Kingella, leads to prompt targeted antimicrobial coverage in all musculoskeletal infections. Prompt diagnosis and treatment continues to be the mainstay in the treatment of children with osteoarticular infections. Efforts to improve early detection have lead to improving rapid lab diagnostic testing; however, more advanced diagnostics such as arthrocentesis for septic arthritis and MRI for osteomyelitis and pyomyositis, remain the gold standard. Shorter and narrowed antibiotic courses, with appropriate transition to outpatient oral treatment provide effective infection clearance and reduction in complications of disease. Summary Advances in diagnostics, including pathogen identification as well as imaging continues to improve our ability to diagnose and treat these infections, although still lack ability to provide definitive diagnosis without more invasive nor advanced techniques.