부산대학교 도서관

Acute septic arthritis in infants is considered an orthopedic emergency. Ineffective treatment and diagnostic delay can result in devastating damage to the joint with potential for lifelong disability. A 12-month-old infant was referred to our emergency room for fever and swelling of the left knee. The laboratory test showed high levels of C-reactive protein and white blood cell (WBC) count. Thick, yellowish pus-like synovial fluid was aspirated on the suprapatellar pouch on the left knee, revealing WBC count of 226,800/μL and 95% neutrophils. Using elbow arthroscopy equipment, arthroscopic synovectomy and debridement were performed in both the anterior and posterior compartments using a trans-septal approach. After the surgery, the patient’s condition improved rapidly, and the results from the infection laboratory indicated a return to normal values 1 week postoperatively. At the final 16-month follow-up, the patient had completely healed without complications.