Motherhood Hospital Successfully Treats an Infant with Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis in the infant should not be considered a benign infection.

Incidence of osteomyelitis is 13 per 100 000 (acute osteomyelitis 8 and subacute osteomyelitis 5 per 100 000)

Doctors at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi saved a month old boy Sameer (Name Changed) who was diagnosed with a rare disease called Osteomyelitis, an infection in the bone. Dr. Sachin Bhise, Dr.Tushar Parikh and Dr. Sameer Desai appeal to parents to seek medical attention immediately if Osteomyelitis is suspected.

"The Boy was brought to the Motherhood Hospital with complaints of restricted movements of left lower limb since 8-10 days, swelling in left thigh since 5 days and fever with cough since 3 days. When the child was 8days old, accumulation of pus was detected on right shoulder and was treated with oral antibiotics. On examination, the baby was irritable, febrile but haemodynamically stable. Left lower limb examination revealed swelling in thigh region which was warm to touch, redness of overlying skin, tenderness and restricted range of motions at hip joint," said Dr.Bhise.

Dr. Sachin Bhise, Paediatrician & Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi says, "X-ray of hip region showed erosion of left femoral head along its lateral aspect and soft tissue swelling in left thigh region. USG of hip joint revealed large ill-defined heterogeneous hypoechoic area in left thigh in inter and intramuscular plane, along with left femoral head showing cortical irregularity and erosion along its lateral aspect. With the diagnosis of osteomyelitis of femur with septic arthritis of hip joint, baby was admitted in NICU and started on  antibiotics".

"With the help of the Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, the pus in the hip joint and left thigh was removed and Hip plaster was done to give better stability. Post procedure the baby remained stable, repeat ESR & CRP decreased to normal. During hospital stay, mother was trained for oral feeding and other nursing care as hip spica (plaster) was advised for 8 weeks.", added Dr.Bhise.

Dr. Sameer Desai, PediatricOrthopedic Surgeon, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi says,"Joint and bone infection is common in children. This child had very low weight and special equipment and techniques were used to operate the child. The tissues are very small and hence operation is very difficult and skilful."

Dr. Tushar Parikh, Head of Pediatrics and Neonatology at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi says,"Any child not moving the limb and having pain and fever should be suspected to have joint infection. It is an Orthopedic emergency as delay in treatment could literally melt down the affected bones. Pre-term children are particularly more prone due to their poor immunity. Parents should be cautious and bring the child to the Doctor when the child is not moving its limbs."

Osteomyelitis is uncommon and usually occurs in premature infants. Septic arthritis of the hip is an orthopaedic emergency which, treated late or inadequately, can have devastating consequences for the developing hip joint. Thus, early diagnosis and effective treatment is vital, if serious long-term complications are to be avoided.