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Ιnflammatory or septic arthritis associated with mycoplasma pneumonia in children: Two case reports and review of the literature

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology volume 22, pages 721–726 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Inflammatory or septic arthritis due to Mp is an extremely unusual manifestation in children, and the functional outcome of the joints is difficult to be predicted. Two cases with Mp infection are presented. The first patient had positive PCR for Mp after hip aspiration and arthrotomy with thorough irrigation and debridement. A flattened femoral head was detected during the follow-up, which became quite spherical a year after. An arthrotomy with medial synovectomy of the knee was performed in the second patient. Lack of full knee extension was presented during the first 3 months, which gradually decreased to 7° in the final follow-up. The suspicion of Mp infection with extra-pulmonary involvement in children is mainly based on clinical, epidemiological and radiological data, but laboratory testing is required for confirmation. Rapid diagnosis of probability consists of serum tests, and their results are essential for early therapeutic planning. The direct diagnosis of Mp DNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides specificity and sensitivity. Very few cases of arthritis associated with Mp infection have been published but not with the severity of our cases. Clinical suspicion of Mp infection is of great importance, and the outcome depends on early diagnosis and specific treatment.

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Conflict of interest

No benefits or funds were received in support of this study. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Department, Mitera Maternity and Children’s Hospital, 6 Erythrou Stavrou and Kifisias street, 15123, Marousi, Athens, Greece

    Maria Vlachou & Dimitris Dimitriadis

  2. Paediatric Department, Mitera Maternity and Children’s Hospital, 6 Erythrou Stavrou and Kifisias street, 15123, Marousi, Athens, Greece

    Prokopia Dialyna & Christos Bartsocas

  3. 9 Menelaou street, 15235, Vrilissia, Athens, Greece

    Maria Vlachou

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  1. Maria Vlachou
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  2. Prokopia Dialyna
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  3. Christos Bartsocas
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  4. Dimitris Dimitriadis
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Correspondence to Maria Vlachou.

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Vlachou, M., Dialyna, P., Bartsocas, C. et al. Ιnflammatory or septic arthritis associated with mycoplasma pneumonia in children: Two case reports and review of the literature. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 22, 721–726 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-011-0894-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-011-0894-7

Keywords

  • Septic
  • Arthritis
  • Pneumonia
  • Mycoplasma