Septic or infectious arthritis of the knee and Lyme disease have similar symptoms in children but require different immediate treatment to ensure optimal recovery. A new study in the May 4 issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery identifies four symptoms that are predictive of septic arthritis when the condition presents itself in a child's knee--an important distinction in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent.
Septic arthritis is considered a medical emergency requiring surgical irrigation (flushing) and drainage to prevent rapid and irreversible destruction of the cartilage surrounding the knee. Lyme disease, an infection common in the northwest and northeast parts of the U.S. and caused by bacteria normally found in deer and transmitted to humans through ticks, is treated with antibiotics. In addition to knee swelling and pain, both conditions may cause a fever, swelling of other joints, irritability and an inability to bear weight on the affected extremity. Common laboratory tests to measure inflammation, as well as white blood cell counts, also may be elevated.
Sadly the symptoms of both diseases are so similar, but septic arthritis can cause irreversible damage to the cartilage. That is why it's so important to be alert and always take your kid's symptoms lightly. Be careful with your kids people!
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