Septic Arthritis Complicating Growth Plate Integrity in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Rare Presentation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Septic arthritis (SA) in children is a medical emergency that may lead to serious complications, including damage to the growth plate and long-term functional impairment. One of the rarest but most significant complications is physeal slip, particularly in non-ambulatory children with underlying neurological disorders. Early recognition is often challenging due to atypical clinical presentations, especially in patients with altered muscle tone or global developmental delay. Case Report: This report highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in a case of distal femoral physeal separation secondary to SA in a neurologically impaired pediatric patient. The absence of classic symptoms such as fever, erythema, or warmth may delay clinical suspicion. Imaging modalities, including radiographs and ultrasound, are critical in identifying joint effusion and physeal disruption. Laboratory markers such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein can support the diagnosis. Definitive management requires urgent surgical drainage and debridement, stabilization of the physis, and a prolonged course of targeted intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early multidisciplinary evaluation in high-risk populations. Prompt diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to prevent long-term complications such as deformity, joint instability, or growth disturbance.
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $250
OpenAlex ID: W7225570157
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