Initial pre-referral workup

Clinical history

• infection more common in infants and toddlers
• hip joint more common than knee or ankle joint
• child unwell, listless, flushed and fever
• child cannot be coaxed to move the joint

GP management

Send to ED immediately and do not give antibiotics, as it will negate cultures.

There is no need for investigations if clinically suspected.

Refer parents to Septic arthritis in children (fact sheet).

Indications for specialist referral

Emergency

Immediate referral to ED due to high risk to joint cartilage and growth plates.