Septic arthritis of the hip in a hemophiliac. Report of a case.

Septic arthritis of the hip occurred in a 32-year-old hemophiliac with circulating Factor VIII antibodies. The clinical presentation suggested a soft tissue hematoma, but failure of early resolution with immobilization and Factor VIII replacement led to a correct diagnosis. A non-invasive method of management is essential if antibodies to Factor VIII are present. Compression and Plaster of Paris immobilization of the joint with adequate antibiotic therapy allows resolution of the infection and return to normal function. To avoid the serious complication of septic arthritis in hemophilia, expeditious treatment of all foci of infection is a necessity.