Limb infections in children and adults

Abstract

Infections of the bone and soft tissue of the limbs need to be diagnosed and treated urgently regardless of the patient's age. Clinical features are often non-specific. MRI and, in some cases, sonography investigations lead to early diagnosis and appropriate management. Computed tomography has limited value. Needle aspiration and biopsy need not be routine. In children, anatomical particularities explain the different morphological manifestations, which vary with age. It is important to both know when to propose the diagnosis of infection, so that appropriate imaging investigations are carried out, and to be aware of the symptomatology of limb infections in children and adults and understand the differential diagnoses for each age group. Clinicians should also be aware of the specific characteristics in children.

Applications and challenges of using 3D printed implants for the treatment of birth defects

“…Similar to the complications associated with polymer‐based implants, metallic and alloy‐based implants also cause bacterial infections, especially in orthopedic implants. Bone tissue infections such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and prosthetic joint infections are known orthopedic implant related bacterial infections mainly caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria family ( S. aureus and S. epidermidis ) (Vial & Chiavassa‐Gandois, ). Hematogenous osteomyelitis have been known to frequently affect children, and septic arthritis is more commonly observed among male newborns.…”

The beauty of pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound

“…The clinical presentation is variable, combining pain, loss of function, fever, and sometimes general deterioration. Onset may be sudden and accompanied by a high fever [41]. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult due to a history of intercurrent trauma or antibiotics given for preceding infec-tions.…”

“…Diagnosis is sometimes difficult due to a history of intercurrent trauma or antibiotics given for preceding infec-tions. Osteomyelitis in children predominantly involves the metaphyses of long bones [41]. The lower extremities are affected in 70 % of cases [42].…”