Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bone and joint infections in children.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has been a clinically significant pathogen in orthopaedics for more than a decade. Research shows that these infections are more virulent and that treatment requires greater use of hospital resources. A multidisciplinary approach involving emergency department physicians, radiologists, interventional radiologists, MRI technicians, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, anesthesiologists, and orthopaedic surgeons is necessary to optimize outcomes and minimize costs. Early use of MRI helps delineate the extent of infection, aids in the consideration of surgery, and provides valuable information for surgical planning. Healthcare providers need to stay vigilant during the course of the disease to detect other sites of infection or complications of methicillin-resistant S aureus, such as deep vein thrombosis and septic pulmonary emboli. Patients with infections near growth centers require long-term monitoring to ensure the absence of growth disturbances. Physicians should help educate patients and families on prevention strategies and be aware of guidelines for students to return to school and athletes to return to play.