[Bone and joint infections in children].

Bone and joint infections in children. Bone and joint infections in children are diagnostic and therapeutic emergencies. The most frequently isolated bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus and Kingella kingae. The latter gives few clinical symptoms with slightly abnormal biological signs. Improved bacteriological sampling techniques and analysis (PCR) have allowed to isolate fragile germs. The clinical examination is fundamental completed by bone scintigraphy and MRI for early diagnosis. Actual shorter antibiotic treatment protocols are currently used and shorten the duration of hospitalization. Surgical treatment with the evacuation of a collection and/ or washing of a joint is still a key point in the management of such infections. Currently, severe forms of bone and joint infections have appeared due to staphyloccocus aureus resistant to methicillin.