Serious musculoskeletal infections in children include osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, pyomyositis, and necrotizing fasciitis. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology of each of these infections are reviewed. Specific diagnostic studies and management strategies are discussed. Prompt recognition and treatment is emphasized to prevent potential long-term sequelae.
aDepartment of Pediatrics, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Nemours Children's Clinic, PO Box 269, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA
bDepartment of Clinical Informatics, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Nemours Children's Clinic, PO Box 269, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA
cDepartment of Pediatrics, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
dDivision of Infectious Diseases, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Nemours Children's Clinic, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA
Corresponding author. Division of Infectious Diseases, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, PO Box 269, Wilmington, DE 19899
ABSTRACT