Use of a lumbosacral orthosis in the management of septic arthritis of the hip.

INTRODUCTION

Septic arthritis can lead to loss of joint motion and permanent mobility deficits because of infection and inflammatory response damaging articular structures.

METHODS

A 13-year-old boy underwent five left hip surgeries after diagnosis of septic arthritis. He participated in 14 months of physical therapy, including hip stretching and manipulation. A lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) was applied to immobilize the lumbar region and isolate motion at the left hip. Treatment was divided into three phases: initial treatment, after manipulation under anesthesia, and after application of the LSO. Hip flexion range of motion (ROM) improved by 100 degrees and extension by 20 degrees. The patient returned to a high level of function, including athletics, but continued to have limited ROM and gait deviations.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in hip ROM after application of the LSO suggests that this intervention may have applicability in treatment of hip dysfunctions.